West Nile Virus Infections Reach All-Time High

This year, the United States has seen the largest outbreak of West Nile virus infections since the disease first appeared here in 1999, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). 

As of Aug. 21, the CDC had reported a total of 1,118 cases in people and 41 deaths resulting from the disease this year. Forty-seven states reported the virus in people, mosquitoes or birds.

that the virus was detected in Montgomery County in a mosquito pool.  

David Clark, community relations coordinator for Patient First, a series of community health centers in Montgomery and Prince George's counties, (a new chemical applied to paper to protect an area), wearing long pants or sleeves when outside or using a box fan or mosquito netting to keep mosquitoes at bay.  

In addition, the Prince George’s County Health Department recommends avoiding outdoor activity at dawn or dusk when mosquitoes are most active, and offers these tips to eliminate breeding sites:

• Remove old car tires from the area.
• Turn over buckets, wading pools, wheelbarrows or any containers that collect water.
• Clean roof gutters regularly.
• Fix dripping outdoor water faucets.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools.
• Adjust tarps to avoid collecting water.

Last year in Maryland, there were 19 reported cases of West Nile virus in humans, according to the CDC. So far in 2012, there have been nine.

that August and September are the most common months for human cases of the virus, and mosquitoes that transmit the disease bite frequently during evening and nighttime hours.

A person bitten by an infected mosquito may not show symptoms of illness, but some do become sick between three and 15 days after being bitten.

Do you know of a great natural repellent or have tips for mosquito control? Tell us in the comments.