Maryland reports first West Nile virus case of the season

Maryland health officials confirmed the state’s first human West Nile virus case of the year, following positive mosquito pools in Anne Arundel County. Residents are urged to use EPA-registered insect repellents, wear protective clothing, and eliminate standing water around homes to reduce risk, with higher caution for people over 50 or those who are immunocompromised. While rare, the virus can spread via organ donation, blood transfusion, breastfeeding, or from mother to fetus; most infections are mild and flu-like.