Md. Governor To Outline Zika Prevention Efforts

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Maryland heads into mosquito season and this year, it carries an even greater risk. The mosquitoes known to carry the Zika virus breed here in Maryland and state agencies are putting everyone on alert.

Pat Warren has more on what you can do to protect yourself and your family.

Summer may be the season for shorts and t-shirts but that makes you vulnerable to mosquito bites---and the state is taking it seriously.

Prepare for battle. The invader is the mosquito and the danger is the Zika virus.

"It is an emergency; that's why we're trying to raise so much awareness," said Governor Larry Hogan.

Your bare skin is their feeding ground. Only one in five people infected with the virus have any symptoms and those are usually mild---but pregnant women are at high risk because the virus is linked to devastating birth defects.

"We got a great team that's working on it together with our federal partners and local partners," Hogan said.

You're asked to empty anything outdoors that holds water: buckets, flowerpots, kids' toys---because that's where mosquitoes breed.

Wear long shirts and long pants, use insect repellent according to directions and use fans on your porches and decks because they can blow the mosquitoes away.

"At this point, it seems to be manageable but we want to hope for the best and prepare for the worst," Hogan said.

That preparation includes a Zika check if you're traveling outside the country.

There have been 12 confirmed Zika cases in Maryland, all related to people who have traveled to infected regions.

The governor has authorized $250,000 to the state's Zika awareness program.