Maryland reports first case of West Nile virus in 2016

A mosquito pool is a group of mosquitoes collected at one of several trap sites across the state. Vaccines have proven to be a very effective prevention tool for WNV and Eastern equine encephalitis, which can also be deadly to horses.

The 628th Medical Group’s public health office is responsible for monitoring mosquito populations for diseases that can spread to humans on the base.

Minimize activities where mosquitoes are present such as shaded and wooded areas.

They advised a variet of protective measures, including avoiding areas with concentrations of mosqitoes, and wearing long trousers and long sleeves, as well as hats.

The number of Zika virus cases in Maryland stood at 64 on August 17, experts said. Health department officials say all of those cases are travel related and the numbers will likely climb.

An adult, who does not live in Frederick County, survived a West Nile virus infection.

On Monday night, Maryland Department of Agriculture spray trucks will focus on Wheaton, the Old Town area of Gaithersburg and Sandy Spring.

Officials are conducting additional mosquito surveillance in the area.

Meanwhile, as the United States continues to deal with the issues surrounding the threats of Zika and West Nile viruses in the nation, more efforts are needed to fight the world’s deadliest creature – the mosquitoes.

Use insect repellent on both skin and clothing. He recommends any brand that contains up to 30 percent DEET.

Residents can also get rid of mosquito breeding areas by dumping out standing water.

Doctors are now anxious that cases will spread along the gulf coast especially in the aftermath of recent flooding in Louisiana and Texas where standing water is an issue. The microbe comes in doughnut-shaped tablets that can be placed in water to kill mosquito larvae. The MSDH strongly advises pregnant women not to travel to countries where Zika is actively being transmitted. Pregnant women and their fetuses are of primary concern with Zika infection, as this virus has been observed to cause fetal abnormalities.

“It can cause very severe illness – mostly for those that are over 50 or those that might be immune compromised”, she told WWJ Health Reporter Dr. Deanna Lites.