WASHINGTON — For the first time this year, mosquitoes in Maryland have tested positive for West Nile virus.
The insects were discovered Aug. 5 in a residential section of Bowie, in Prince George’s County, the state Department of Agriculture says. After the mosquitoes were collected, spraying was conducted in that area to reduce the insect population.
“We know that West Nile virus may be present throughout Maryland. It typically appears at this time in the summer, so we are not surprised,” state agriculture secretary Joe Bartenfelder said in a statement.
Agriculture officials conduct statewide testing in cooperation with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, looking for mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile, eastern equine encephalitis and others.
“The confirmation of virus-positive mosquitoes serves as a reminder to all residents to continue protecting themselves against mosquito bites and to conduct backyard mosquito control activities,” Bartenfelder said.
About 20 percent of people infected with West Nile will develop a serious fever that can last for a few days or as long as several weeks, the agriculture department says. There is no vaccine for humans.
The agriculture department recommends the following precautions:
- Wear long, loosefitting clothing
- Use insect repellents
- Avoid mosquito infested areas between dusk and dawn
- Install, inspect and repair window and door screens in homes
- Regularly clean bird baths and pets’ food and water bowls
- Remove or empty all water-holding containers
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more information about mosquito-borne diseases.
