Upon confirmation of the first WNV human case or positive mosquito pool, DHMH will begin to post weekly reports of WNV activity on the Department’s website. The reports will be available each Wednesday at http://phpa.dhmh.maryland.gov/OIDEOR/CZVBD/SitePages/west-nile.aspx.
“The number of West Nile cases we will see in any given year is unpredictable, so we encourage everyone to take some simple actions to avoid mosquito bites,” said Dr. Katherine Feldman, State Public Health Veterinarian at DHMH.
Measures people can take to protect themselves include:
- Avoid areas of high mosquito activity
- Avoid unnecessary outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active
- Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and hats when concerned about mosquito exposure
- Use an EPA-registered insect repellent according to package directions
Residents are urged to monitor their own yards and gardens for standing water that can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Small amounts of water in a discarded can or container will support dozens of mosquitoes. To eliminate mosquito-breeding areas:
- 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
For additional information on West Nile virus, visit::
- Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene: http://phpa.dhmh.maryland.gov/OIDEOR/CZVBD/SitePages/west-nile.aspx
- Maryland Department of Agriculture: http://mda.maryland.gov/plants-pests/Pages/mosquito_control.aspx
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html
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