Baltimore County Man With West Nile Virus Dies From Unrelated Causes
BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. (WJZ) — For the first time this year, a person in Baltimore County contracts West Nile virus. That person has died, but from unrelated causes.
Still, there is concern about the virus spreading to more people.
Christie Ileto explains how health leaders are minimizing the risk.
The health department says an elderly gentleman died Monday. Now officials will be spraying for mosquitoes in neighborhoods within a mile of where he lived.
It wouldn't be summer without mosquitoes.
"They came with bite marks everywhere," said Ashley Cherry.
Cherry's twins love being outside. But now that Baltimore County confirms its first West Nile virus case of the year:
"Now I'm concerned about, like, what can I do to avoid it?" she said.
Health officials say an elderly gentleman tested positive for the mosquito borne illness, but died this week from something unrelated.
"Mosquitoes that have gotten infected because they've bitten another animal, usually a bird that has West Nile virus, if they bite a human, then that person can actually succumb to West Nile," said Gregory Branch, Director of the Baltimore County Department of Health and Human Services.
Mosquito Patrol has been spraying around the state. Their next stop: Baltimore County neighborhoods one mile around where the man lived—like Loveton Farms in Hunt Valley.
"I'm a little curious why they would suddenly spray in late August when certainly mosquitoes are an issue around here probably late May, June, July," said Alyce Kirk, resident.
Residents are also being urged to monitor their own yards for standing water, which can often be breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Last year, the virus was found in 33 mosquito pools, while the state had six human cases—one in the Baltimore area.
Officials are taking every step to stop future infections.
Spraying for mosquitoes starts Thursday at 7:30 p.m. It will also happen September 3.
People can reduce their risk of contracting the virus by wearing bug spray or covering themselves with long sleeves.
A second person also tested positive for West Nile, but officials say they contracted it out of state.