West Nile Virus in Maryland, First Case in 2016

Authorities have just discovered the first case of West Nile Virus in Maryland in 2016 after testing mosquitoes near Capitol Heights recently.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture announced Tuesday, Aug. 2 that the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene had confirmed the presence of West Nile virus in mosquitoes collected by department personnel in Capitol Heights in Prince George's County on July 19.

"Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) truck-based spraying to control adult mosquitoes in that section of Capitol Heights occurred two nights following trapping," the statement reads. "The department’s mosquito control personnel continue to work aggressively to reduce mosquito populations in this community and across the State."

West Nile virus typically emerges in the summer, so it is not surprising that authorities made the discovery now. Secretary of Agriculture Joe Bartenfelder said in the statement that residents should continue to be vigilant in protecting themselves from mosquito bites.

"The department’s Mosquito Control Office, in cooperation with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, has been conducting surveillance activities throughout the State to collect and test mosquitoes for West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and several other mosquito-borne diseases," the statement adds. "These diseases are endemic in Maryland and are transmitted through the bite of a mosquito. Approximately 20 percent of people infected with West Nile virus will develop West Nile fever, which is typically characterized by fever, headache, and body aches which can last for just a few days or as long as several weeks."

Less than 1 percent of people who get bitten by a mosquito carrying the West Nile virus get a more severe form of the disease. Those who are over 50 or have a compromised immune system are most at risk of getting a severe disease.

You can reduce your risk of being bitten by wearing long, loose-fitting clothing; wearing insect repellent; avoiding mosquito-infested areas, particularly between dusk and dawn; installing screens in your windows and doors; and regularly cleaning up areas of stagnant water such as bird baths and pet bowl.

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