Maryland's First Case Of West Nile Virus Confirmed For 2019

BALTIMORE, MD — The first case of West Nile virus confirmed in Maryland for 2019 was reported in a National Capital Region resident, according to state officials. The Maryland Department of Health, which tracks and responds to mosquito-borne infections, said no other infections carried by ticks or mosquitos have been identified this year.

West Nile virus appeared for the first time in Pennsylvania in birds, mosquitoes and a horse in 2000. It is most commonly spread to humans by infected mosquitoes. It can cause febrile illness, encephalitis, or meningitis, according to the Centers for Disease Control, and in rare cases is fatal.

The number of human West Nile Virus cases in Maryland has varied from 73 cases in 2003 to 47 cases in 2012, and 45 cases in 2018.

According to the CDC, about one in five people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About one out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness. You can reduce your risk of West Nile Virus by using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent mosquito bites, the CDC said.

Four out of five infected with the virus will not have any symptoms, the health department says. People who become ill usually have any combination of fever, headache, body aches, skin rash vomiting, or diarrhea. These symptoms generally appear 2 to 14 days following the bite of an infected mosquito. Fewer than 1 percent of people exposed to the virus will develop more severe infections, with symptoms such as headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis.

People 60 years of age and older have the greatest risk of developing severe disease, while anyone with a compromised immune system is also at high risk of West Nile Virus infection.

Residents should eliminate standing water that can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Small amounts of water in a discarded can or container will support dozens of mosquitoes. To eliminate mosquito-breeding areas:

• Clean rain gutters to allow water to flow freely.
• Empty or screen corrugated drain pipes.
• Remove old tires or drill drainage holes in tires used as playground equipment.
• Turn over wading pools, wheelbarrows, wagons and carts when not in use.
• Flush water from the bottom of plant holders twice a week.
• Replace water in birdbaths at least twice a week.
• Turn garbage can lids upside down and make sure trash receptacles are empty of water.
• Fix dripping faucets.
• Aerate ornamental pools and water gardens or stock with fish and use a circulating filter system.

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 http://dnr.maryland.gov/Wildlife/Pages/plants_wildlife/wildlifeproblems.aspx. Detailed instructions on what to do when you find a sick or dead bird can be found at https://phpa.health.maryland.gov/OIDEOR/CZVBD/Pages/west-nile-virus.aspx.