A second death from West Nile Virus has been reported in Maryland, according to the state's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
A total of 25 cases of the virus -- all in adults -- have been reported in Maryland, with slightly more than half of the "surveillance season" over, officials said.
Federal health officials said on Aug. 29 that this year's number of cases may rival the nation's record years of 2002 and 2003.
The number of human cases generally varies in Maryland. The virus hit its peak in Maryland in 2003, with 73 cases. In 2010, 23 cases were reported, and last year saw 19 cases.
West Nile is spread by infected mosquitoes. Maryland health officials recommend people take the following steps 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.
Health officials also say:
Most individuals infected with West Nile virus will not have any symptoms.
People that do develop illness will usually have any combination of fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph glands. These symptoms generally appear 3 to 15 days following the bite of an infected 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 over 50 years of age have the highest risk of developing more severe disease. People who are immunocompromised may also be at high risk of WNV infection.
The death of an "older adult" in northwest Virginia was reported Tuesday. A Northeast D.C. resident died of the virus earlier this month, the Washington Post reported.
