The Health Department says the patient has recovered
Maryland Department of Health
Baltimore, Md (KM) Maryland has recorded its first human case of West Nile virus for this year. The Department of Health says an adult living in the Baltimore Metropolitan region came down the virus. That patient has recovered.
West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes feeding on birds which have contracted the virus. It can be transmitted from human to human through organ donation, blood transfusion,, breastfeeding or from pregnant mother to child. But health officials say that’s very rare.
The disease affects the nervous system, and 80 percent of people who are infected will not display any signs of illness, the Maryland Department of Health says. But those persons with underlying health conditions could become seriously ill.
While most people do not develop symptoms from West Nile virus, health officials say some people who develop the illness may experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache and body aches. There will occasionally be a skin rash and swollen lymph glands. These symptoms usually could last a few days, or as long as several weeks. The Department of Health says people who are older than 50 or have immuno-compromised systems can become seriously ill.
“We are in the season where the West Nile virus can spread in Maryland,”; says Dr. Niles Kalyanaraman, Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services, in a statement. . “We urge people to be vigilant and take steps to avoid infection and eliminate standing pools of water where mosquitoes can breed.”
The ways people can avoid contracting West Nile virus are by covering up exposed skin, and using an EPA- registered insect repellent. Residents should also monitor their own yards and gardens for areas of high concentrations of mosquitoes, such as standing water which can serve as a breeding ground for these insects. The Department of Health says even small amounts of water in discarded cans or other containers can support dozen of mosquitoes. Even small amounts of water in a clogged rain gutter or drain pipe can provide breeding spaces for mosquitoes.
The Maryland Health Department last month began a campaign to to prevent mosquito bites, including a social media toolkit with information on how Marylanders can protect themselves and their homes from mosquitoes.
By Kevin McManus