Person with West Nile Virus Dies: Baltimore County Health Officials

A person infected with West Nile virus has died from causes unrelated to the mosquito-borne illness, the Baltimore County Health Department reports.

The death on Monday, Aug. 24, was the first confirmed case of West Nile in Baltimore County this year, according to the report.

“West Nile Virus is an unfortunate, yet common disease that we expect to find in Marylanders this time of year,” Director of Baltimore County’s Department of Health and Human Services Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch said.

Each year, there are several cases of people infected with West Nile virus in Maryland. Six people were diagnosed with the virus in 2014, according to the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, and it affects the nervous system. There is no treatment.

Communities within a 1-mile radius of where the deceased lived will be sprayed for mosquitoes, according to Baltimore County health officials. A map of the areas that will be sprayed is attached and is available here, generally depicting communities around Phoenix.

People can prevent their risk of contracting the virus by covering themselves and reducing standing water.

Small amounts of water can serve as breeding grounds for dozens of mosquitoes, according to the Baltimore County Health Department.

“To reduce the risk of getting infected, I encourage residents to W.R.A.P. up,” Branch said, noting these methods of prevention:

• Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and hats.
• Repair damaged window screens.
• Avoid unnecessary outdoor activities at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active, and activities with lots of mosquitoes.
• Put on EPA-registered insect repellent per package directions.

Fewer than 1 percent of people infected with West Nile virus experience symptoms—most commonly headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash—according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It can be fatal, particularly for sensitive groups such as those over 60 years of age and people with compromised immune systems.

Map of spray zone courtesy of Maryland Department of Agriculture.