Officials Urge Residents To Take Precautions After WNV Cases In Baltimore
BALTIMORE (WJZ)—City health officials are urging residents to take precautions after three cases of the West Nile Virus are confirmed in Baltimore.
WJZ's Meghan McCorkell has the latest.
As more people try to enjoy the last gasps of summer, so are some other pests, mosquitoes.
Now, three people in Baltimore City have tested positive for the West Nile Virus.
Just last week, Baltimore County reported a man who died tested positive for WNR. However, his cause of death was unrelated to the virus.
Mosquito control officials say it has been a rough season for Maryland.
"This is the time of year when we're starting to see mosquito vector diseases. So cover up, use bug spray, eliminate standing water on your property," said Tony Dewitt, agricultural inspector.
The three new cases are reported in two city zip codes: 21239 in northeast Baltimore and 21224 in southeast.
Health officials say they have contacted homeowners in those areas.
"We have reached over a hundred families and households to let them know about these cases so they can also be looking for standing water and protecting themselves." said City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen.
Last year, 33 mosquito pools tested positive for the WNV in Maryland, six human cases were reported and one in the Baltimore area.
Now, health officials are trying to prevent this year's numbers from going up.
The say the number one way to do that is to use repellent and avoid going out at dusk and dawn.
Mosquito control will be out spraying the Laurel area in Prince George's County Sunday night after a person in nearby Bowie contracted the virus.
For a full list of tips on how to reduce the risk of West Nile Virus CLICK HERE.
