MD Confirms 1st Human Case Of West Nile Virus Of 2026

After detecting the West Nile virus in Anne Arundel County earlier this month, Maryland has now confirmed its first human case.

By Gaby Arancibia, Patch Staff

Jul 31, 2026 6:52 PM EDT | Updated Jul 31, 2026 6:56 PM EDT

The Maryland Department of Health announced late Friday that the state has recorded its first human case of the West Nile virus of 2026.

While little information was provided regarding the individual who contracted the mosquito-borne disease, officials said the person was living in the Capital Region.

The number of human West Nile virus cases in Maryland fluctuates annually, according to the MDH. The state reported a total of 23 cases in 2025.

The announcement comes after the state confirmed to Patch earlier this month that officials had recorded a positive WNV test from mosquito trappings on July 10 in Anne Arundel County.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture indicated the area that returned the positive result was a "repeated offender" but not "an area with many people."

At the time, an official told Patch that the public had a "1 in 1 million chance of getting bitten by a WNV mosquito."

How To Protect Yourself Against West Nile Virus

Residents can prevent the spread of the virus by emptying any outdoor containers that have water, as they tend to serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

When outdoors, the public is urged to apply mosquito spray and wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and a hat.

"Your best defense against West Nile virus is to protect yourself from mosquitoes, such as using insect repellent, covering exposed skin, and eliminating standing water near your home," Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services Dr. Meg Sullivan said in a statement.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that 80% of people who contract the virus do not develop any symptoms. However, for the 20% who do, they can experience a rash, diarrhea, vomiting, and a fever, among other conditions.

In cases where symptoms develop, the CDC says they don't emerge until up to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. While there is no official treatment, symptoms are treated with over-the-counter medicine.