First Case Of West Nile Virus In 2022 Confirmed In Maryland

BALTIMORE, MD — The first human case of the West Nile virus confirmed this year in Maryland was in an adult who lives in the Baltimore area, state health officials reported Thursday, Aug. 25.

The West Nile virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes that have been infected by feeding on birds that have the virus. The disease affects the nervous system, and up to 80 percent of people who are infected will not display any signs of illness at all, the Maryland Department of Health said.

In rare cases, the virus may be spread from person to person through organ donation, blood transfusion, breastfeeding, or from pregnant mother to fetus.

Maryland residents should take basic steps to reduce their risk of infection from mosquitoes, the health department said.

“We are in the season when we start to see West Nile virus spread in Maryland,” MDH Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services Dr. Jinline Chan said in a news release. “Disease surveillance teams are closely monitoring for any signs of increased numbers of infected mosquitoes that may turn up in areas across the state."

Authorities did not specify where in the Baltimore metropolitan area the person with the virus lives.

Some people who develop illness may experience symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches; occasionally, a skin rash and swollen lymph glands may be noticed. These symptoms may last a few days or as long as several weeks. People who are older than 50 years or have immunocompromised conditions can become seriously ill.

West Nile virus was first detected in the United States in 1999, and the number of Marylanders infected with the virus varies each season. In 2019, there were seven people with the disease, one in 2020, and in 2021 two people in Maryland were known to have contracted the virus.

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. Avoid exposing your skin to the insects.
• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent according to package directions.

Although birds are not routinely tested for West Nile virus in Maryland, sick or injured birds can be reported to an appropriate local wildlife rehabilitator. Residents can call 1-877-463-6497 for a list of licensed rehabilitators or visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources web site at DNR Wildlife pages.

For more information on West Nile virus, including data and educational materials, visit the MDH Center for Zoonotic and Vector-borne Diseases or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention West Nile virus information page.