West Nile Case Reported in Anne Arundel, Targeted Spraying to Begin

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) will spray for mosquitos in the Glen Burnie and Pasadena areas this month due to a reported case of the West Nile virus.

According to Elin Jones, spokeswoman for the Anne Arundel County Department of Health, there was one confirmed case of the West Nile virus on Aug. 30. She said she did not have any more details about the case.

However, in response to the reported case, MDA will spray communities in the area of the intersection of Mountain Road and Waterford Road in Pasadena on Sept. 7 and 14. MDA will spray west to the Sun Valley community and north to the Willow Run community in Glen Burnie.

In Pasadena, they will spray east in the designated intersection to Green Haven and south to Farmington Village at Schramms Crossing, according to an MDA release.

Spraying will take place overnight beginning around 8 p.m. and possibly continuing until 2 a.m. MDA encourages people to avoid outdoor activities on these nights.

Additionally, MDA will increase surveillance in those communites.

"West Nile virus is endemic in our area," Jones said in an email to Patch.

As of Aug. 30, Jones said 316 counties from 39 states or districts have reported West Nile virus activity in 2011. She said 23 states reported human infections and 16 additional states reported activity in non-human species, such as in animals or mosquito pools.

"Most individuals infected with West Nile virus will not have any symptoms or signs of illness. People who do develop illness may experience symptoms that seem like a mild flu," she said. "These symptoms may include a low fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph glands. Symptoms generally appear three to 14 days following the bite of an infected mosquito."

Jones said the best way to reduce the risk of infection is to avoid areas with mosquitos. She said residents should eliminate any standing water near their homes where mosquitos could breed and repair any damaged window screens.

"When outdoors, wear long pants and long-sleeved clothing," she said.

For more information on the spraying, visit the MDA website: http://www.mda.state.md.us/plants-pests/mosquito_control/index.php or call MDA’s Mosquito Control Program at 410-841-5870.