Maryland reports first West Nile virus case of 2024
Maryland health officials announced Monday that a Baltimore-area adult has tested positive for West Nile virus, marking Maryland’s first case this year. The patient has recovered from the infection, according to the Maryland Department of Health. West Nile virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes that feed on birds carrying the virus. In rare cases, the virus can be transmitted from person to person through organ donation, blood transfusions, breastfeeding, or from pregnant women to their unborn children. The disease affects the nervous system, and up to 80% of infected people show no signs of illness. Some people experience mild symptoms, including fever, headache, and body aches. Occasionally, people may develop a skin rash or swollen lymph nodes. Symptoms may last for days to weeks. People over 50 and those with immunocompromised conditions may develop more severe illness.
Baltimore —
Maryland health officials announced Monday that a Baltimore-area adult has tested positive for West Nile virus, marking Maryland’s first case this year.
The Maryland Department of Health says the patient has recovered from the infection.
Mosquitoes that feed on infected birds transmit the West Nile virus to humans, and in rare cases, the virus can be transmitted from person to person through organ donation, blood transfusion, breastfeeding, or from pregnant women to their unborn children.
The disease affects the nervous system, and up to 80% of infected people never experience any symptoms.
Some people experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches. In rare cases, people may develop a skin rash or swollen lymph nodes.
Symptoms may last for a few days or may last for several weeks. People over 50 and those with compromised immune systems may become seriously ill.
