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First Sign of West Nile Virus in Maryland

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The Maryland Department of Agriculture says it has detected the first sign of the West Nile Virus in a mosquito pool for this year.

The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene confirmed its presence in the city of Bowie, Prince George’s County.

State officials say around 20 percent of those infected with the virus will develop fever along with headaches and body aches.

Those most at risk are people over 50 and those whose immune systems have already been compromised.

The Department of Agriculture recommends that people wear long loose fitting, light colored clothing along with using insect repellents.

All water containers should be removed or emptied.

Finally, they should avoid mosquito infested areas especially between dusk and dawn.

Don Rush is the News Director at Delmarva Public Media. An award-winning journalist, Don reports major local issues of the day, from sea level rise, to urban development, to the changing demographics of Delmarva.