◇ Program summary
1. Maryland confirms first West Nile virus case this year
Maryland has its first confirmed case of West Nile virus this year. An adult in the Baltimore metropolitan area tested positive for the disease, the state Department of Health said.
The Ministry of Health said the virus was in most cases transmitted to humans by mosquitoes after biting infected birds. The disease can affect a person’s nervous system, but up to 80% of infected people do not feel sick. In those who do show signs of infection, symptoms can include fever, headache, body aches and a rash.
“We are in the season when we are starting to see the spread of West Nile virus in Maryland. We urge people to remain vigilant and take steps to avoid infection. The disease surveillance team is closely monitoring Any signs of an increase in the number of infected mosquitoes that may appear across the state.”
Health officials advise people to prevent mosquito bites by covering exposed skin and using repellants that are registered with the National Environmental Protection Agency, the EPA.
Health officials are also urging residents to monitor their yards, looking for and cleaning up areas that could become mosquito breeding grounds, especially stagnant water in cans and containers.
2. Virginia expands eligibility for monkeypox vaccine
More Victorians can now be eligible for the monkeypox vaccine, the Virginia Department of Health announced on Thursday.
The new vaccination criteria include people who have had anonymous or multiple sexual partners in the past two weeks, sex workers and workers in places where sexual activity may occur. Anyone eligible for the expansion can go to their local health district’s website to learn more about getting vaccinated, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender.
Virginia is distributing limited two doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine. As of this week, Victoria’s Department of Health said it had received more than 15,000 vials of the vaccine from the federal government and had distributed nearly 9,000 vials across the state’s 35 health districts.
The agency said it is allocating supplies of monkeypox vaccine to ensure a second dose is available. As of Thursday, Virginia recorded 295 cases of monkeypox, 11 of which resulted in hospitalization.