Maryland's health department has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus this year in the state.
The infected person is an adult who lives in the Baltimore city area, the department said Tuesday.
The virus has been detected in mosquito pools collected in Anne Arundel and Prince George's counties. A mosquito pool is a group of mosquitoes collected at one of several trap sites across Maryland.
Dr. Howard Haft, deputy secretary of public health services, says a case of West Nile virus is expected this time of year.
Simple steps can reduce the risk of getting infected, including avoiding areas of high mosquito activity and unnecessary outdoor activities at dawn and dusk, using insect repellant and wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts and a hat.
