Mosquitos infected with West Nile Virus were trapped in Maryland– in two parts of Anne Arundel County on July 11, authorities said, and some were also found in the Bowie area of Prince George’s County. So far, no human cases have been reported. “For most people that get West Nile, they have zero symptoms. No symptoms at all,” said Johns Hopkins University senior scholar and physician Dr. Amesh Adalja (per FOX 5).
In response, the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), in cooperation with the Prince George’s County and Anne Arundel County Health Departments, expanded mosquito control services in areas due to a public health concern over the potential for mosquito-borne diseases. While not all mosquitoes carry diseases, MDA suggests that residents take precautions to minimize their exposure to mosquito bites. These measures include:
- Wear long, loose fitting, light colored clothing
- Wear insect repellents according to product labels
- Avoid mosquito infested areas during prime periods of activity (between dusk and dawn)
- Install, inspect, and repair window and door screens in homes and stables
- Regularly clean bird baths and bowls for pet food and water
- Remove or empty all water-holding containers