The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) today announced that a Montgomery County senior and a Baltimore County adult are the State's first confirmed cases of West Nile virus (WNV).  (Senior is defined as someone 65 years of age and older, and adult is defined as someone between 18-65 years of age.)

            "West Nile virus has become an expected seasonal problem in Maryland where we continue to monitor and report all confirmed cases," said DHMH Deputy Secretary Frances Phillips.  "Even though it is a low risk, there are basic steps people can take to protect themselves and their family members."         

            Measures people can take to protect themselves include:

��          Avoiding areas of high mosquito infestation;

��          Avoiding unnecessary outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active;

��          Wearing light clothing, long pants, long-sleeved shirts and hats when outdoors; and

��          Using mosquito repellants according to directions.

            Most individuals infected with West Nile virus will not have any symptoms.  People that do develop illness will usually have any combination of the following mild symptoms: fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph glands.  These symptoms generally appear three to 15 days following the bite of an infective mosquito.

            Less than one percent of persons exposed to the virus will develop more severe infections with symptoms such as headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis.  In rare instances, WNV can be fatal.

            Persons older than 50 years, and those who are immuno-compromised have the highest risk of developing more severe disease.

            This year, over 1,192 mosquito pools have been tested for WNV, and to date, one mosquito pool in Anne Arundel County has tested positive.  A mosquito pool is a group of mosquitoes collected at selected areas across the State. 

            Citizens are urged to monitor their own yards and gardens for standing water that serves as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.  As little as one-half inch of water in a discarded can or container will support dozens of mosquitoes.

Residents are encouraged to take the following steps:

         Clean rain gutters to allow water to flow freely.

         Remove old tires or drill drainage holes in tires used as playground equipment.

         Turn over wading pools, wheelbarrows, wagons and carts when not in use. Flush   water from bottom of plant holders twice a week.

         Replace water in birdbaths at least twice a week.

         Turn garbage can lids upside down and make sure trash receptacles are empty of water.

         Fix dripping faucets.

         Aerate ornamental pools and water gardens or stock with fish and use a circulating filter system.

         Avoid areas of high mosquito infestation.

         Avoid unnecessary outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

         Wear light clothing, long pants, long-sleeved shirts and a hat when outdoors.

         Use mosquito repellants according to directions.

            General information on West Nile virus can be found on the Internet at the following Web sites:

��          Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, www.dhmh.maryland.gov  . Click on 'Seasonal Health Information' for information about 'West Nile Virus' and 'Mosquito Information/Control' that is handled by the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

��          Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov  . Click on 'Diseases and Conditions.'  

Immunizations offer safe and effective protection against many diseases.