West Nile virus was found in two areas of Anne Arundel County’s mosquitoes, and a spraying of the area is planned.
On Sunday, July 23, after 7:30 p.m., the Maryland Department of Agriculture will spray near the intersection of Crain Highway and Davidsonville Road.
According to a health authority, the affected communities include Amberfield, Lake Louise, and the Northwest Crofton Community District.
A permethrin-based treatment will be used by the department’s mosquito control programme, which has been cleared for use without posing a significant health risk to locals.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture suggests exercising utmost caution and remaining indoors while spraying is occurring.
The West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquito bites. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on sick birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread WNV to people and other animals when bitten.
Twenty percent of persons who are exposed to the virus display symptoms such fatigue, nausea, headache, fever, and joint and muscular discomfort.
Most people who are exposed to the virus won’t get sick. The optimal conditions for mosquito activity and the transmission of the West Nile virus are the current warm temperatures and high humidity levels. Residents in Anne Arundel County are urged to take care to avoid mosquito bites and the diseases that they can carry.
West Nile Virus detected in mosquitoes in Anne Arundel County
According to health officials, residents should do the following to lessen their risk of mosquito bites:
- Spend as little time outside as possible from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Make sure the screens on your doors and windows are secure and in good condition.
- Put on trousers and long sleeves. Cover up to create a barrier against mosquito bites.
Clear any puddles of water. Mosquitoes won’t have a location to lay their eggs or reproduce if water that collects in toys, tyres, trash cans, buckets, blocked gutters, and plant pots is removed.
EPA-registered insect repellents with ingredients like DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanoate should be used.
When sleeping outside or in a building without screens, use mosquito netting, and keep infants inside when you’re outside.
Also Read: A New rapidly-spreading Mosquito Species Discovered in Florida
