First Case Of West Nile Virus Of 2021 Confirmed In Baltimore Area

MARYLAND — The first human case of West Nile virus this year has been confirmed in the Baltimore metropolitan area, according to the Maryland Department of Health.

West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquito bites and affects the nervous system.

While authorities said the adult who got the virus is in the Baltimore metropolitan area, they did not specify where.

"Disease surveillance teams are closely monitoring increasing numbers of infected mosquitoes that have turned up in several areas across the state," Maryland Deputy Secretary for Public Health Dr. Jinlene Chan said in a statement.

Those who have underlying health conditions, are immunocompromised or over 50 may become seriously ill, but state health authorities say up to 80 percent of those infected with West Nile virus do not have symptoms.

Some people who get sick may have these symptoms, which can last a few days to several weeks, according to officials: fever, headache, body aches, skin rash or swollen lymph glands.

Since it was detected in 1999 in the United States, West Nile virus has fluctuated each year. State health officials said seven people in Maryland got the virus in 2019 and 45 people were confirmed positive in 2018.

Mosquitoes feeding on birds infected with the virus transmit West Nile virus. The state does not test birds routinely. However, officials say sick or injured birds can be reported to licensed wildlife rehabilitators.

In rare cases, authorities say West Nile may spread between people through blood transfusion, organ donation, breastfeeding or from a mother to fetus.

How to Avoid Getting West Nile

“This is the season when we start to see West Nile virus spread in Maryland, so we urge people to be vigilant and take steps to avoid infection," Chan said in a statement Wednesday, Aug. 25, announcing the first Marylander of 2021 had gotten infected with West Nile.

Here are recommendations for avoiding exposure:

• Avoid outdoor activities at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Empty any standing water and monitor your yard, clearing watering cans, clogged gutters or discarded containers.
• Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and hats outside.
• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent according to package directions.

See more on the West Nile virus from the Maryland Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).