Maryland health officials are encouraging residents to take precautions against mosquitoes after confirming the state’s first human case of West Nile virus this year.
The patient lives in the Capital Region of Maryland. West Nile is most commonly spread through the bite of an infected mosquito that has fed on infected birds. While about 80 percent of people infected never become sick, some may develop fever, headaches, body aches, rash or swollen lymph glands. Older adults and people with compromised immune systems are at the highest risk for severe illness.
Maryland recorded 23 confirmed West Nile cases last year.
By: Dianah Gibson
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