Health officials say Maryland has its first confirmed case of West Nile Virus infection this year.
An adult who lives in the national capital region is infected, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene said Thursday.
The department says the virus has also been detected in a horse in the capital region, and found in mosquito pools in Harford, Montgomery, Prince George's and Talbot counties.
While most people infected with the virus will not have any symptoms, those over age 50 years have the highest risk of developing more severe disease.
Health officials urge residents to wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and hats and to use an EPA-registered insect repellent to protect themselves against mosquitoes.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
