Md. Announces the first case of West Nile virus this year



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WASHINGTON – Maryland's health authorities on Monday announced the first confirmed case of West Nile virus in the state this year.

The Maryland Health Department has stated that the infected person is an adult living in the Baltimore area. The Ministry of Agriculture will spray insecticides within a three-quarters-mile radius of where the person lives, the Ministry of Health said in a statement released Monday. Systematic spraying of insecticide will also continue throughout the state.

Overall, the number of confirmed cases of West Nile virus in humans varies considerably from one year to the next. Last year, there were only five cases, according to the website of the Ministry of Health. In 2015, there were 46. The peak occurred in 2003 when there were 73. The symptoms of West Nile virus include fever, headache, body aches, rashes and rashes. swollen lymph nodes. 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. However, most people infected will not have any symptoms, according to the health department.

West Nile virus can be fatal, although it is rare. People over 60 and immunocompromised people have the greatest risk of developing serious complications.

You can reduce the risk of West Nile virus infection by avoiding places where there are a lot of mosquitoes. and using an insect repellent. You should also take steps to reduce stagnant water areas, cleaning your gutters, removing old tires, turning over wading pools and replacing water from bird baths at least two times. times per week.

. The first human case was reported in 2001, according to the website of the Department of Health

The Department of Health tracks confirmed infections of West Nile virus on its website


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