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Officials Spraying For Mosquitoes In Areas Of Baltimore County

BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. (WJZ) -- Officials are spraying for mosquitoes in some areas of northern Baltimore County to help prevent West Nile virus.

Derek Valcourt has more on the warnings and the affected areas.

Officials aren't taking any chances with the sometimes deadly West Nile virus. Spraying starts at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and they're asking people in some of the affected areas to stay indoors.

Health officials confirm West Nile virus was found in mosquitoes in northern Baltimore County after a person who lives there became the county's second human case of the virus so far this year.

Now the county is taking action, spraying chemicals in a large area of Cockeysville and Phoenix in northern Baltimore County, including the neighborhoods of Brookfield, Eagles Nest, Loveton Farms, Misty Hollow, Rams Game, Summer Hill and Windy Hill farms.

Residents there are all asked to stay inside and close their windows after 7:30 p.m. to avoid the chemicals.

"As long as you have your windows shut and when the truck comes by you go back inside in your house, it won't be a problem," said Tony Dewitt, agricultural inspector.

Concerns about the widespread spraying have some altering their plans--like John Reilly, who loves to jog the NCR Trail.

"I'll probably go more in the morning just to be careful and I'll pay attention to the news the next couple of days, see what's going on," said Reilly.

Last year, Maryland officials confirmed West Nile virus in 33 mosquito pools. The state had six human cases. There was just one in the Baltimore area.

Spraying is welcome in some areas where residents have complained the pests have been especially vicious this year.

"That makes me feel a little bit better," one woman said.

Health officials urge those spending time outdoors to wear long sleeves when possible and use bug spray. They also suggest eliminating any standing water in your yard that can be mosquito breeding grounds.

Spraying starts at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and will happen again next Thursday, Sept. 3, at 7:30 p.m. as they try to get a handle on the mosquito problem in that area.

The person with Baltimore County's second case of West Nile virus so far this year has died, though the health department says the death was not related to West Nile.

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