West Nile Virus

You Can Prevent West Nile Virus by Avoiding Mosquito Bites and Reducing Mosquito Populations in Your Neighborhood

Click here for a brochure on West Nile Virus

The West Nile Surveillance Plan for Maryland

The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, in cooperation with the Maryland Department of Agriculture has developed a plan to detect West Nile virus (WNV) in Maryland.

The surveillance plan at this time emphasizes tracking WNV in humans, horses and mosquitoes. By trapping and testing mosquitoes for WNV, state officials can follow the spread of WNV and issue prevention guidelines and determine the need for mosquito management and control.

Protect Yourself and Your Family from Mosquito Bites

Take steps to avoid mosquito bites

• Stay indoors at dusk and at dawn when mosquitoes are most active
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors
• Use insect repellent when outdoors, following product directions
• Use screens on open windows, and repair any holes

Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites

Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes lay their eggs

• Remove discarded automobile tires and put drainage holes in playground tires
• Remove or turn over buckets and other containers that can collect rain water
• Turn over children's wading pools, wheelbarrows, canoes and garbage can lids
• Clean roof gutters and downspout screens regularly
• Flush bird baths and potted plant drainage trays twice weekly
• Fix dripping outdoor water faucets, and eliminate puddles under air conditioners
• Store pet bowls indoors when not in use
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools
• Adjust tarps over pools, boats, etc. so that rain water will not collect

Dead Bird Pick-up and Testing For West Nile Virus Ends In Maryland

Since West Nile Virus is firmly established within the State, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has determined that pick-up and testing of dead or sick birds is no longer necessary at this time.

Reports of dead birds will no longer be accepted. If you find any dead birds, please dispose of them in the following manner:

• wear gloves and put the bird in a plastic bag
• place the dead bird in an outdoor trash receptacle or
• bury the dead bird
• wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after disposing of the bird

Sick or injured birds should be reported to your local wildlife rehabilitator. For a list of licensed wildlife rehabilitators in your area, please call 1-877-463-6497

For More Information About West Nile Virus

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
• Maryland Department of Agriculture
• Maryland West Nile Virus Information Hotline: 1-866-866-2769

For Clinicians to Report a Suspect Case of WNV

Please call
Prince George's County Health Department
Communicable and Vector-borne Disease Control
Tel: 301-583-3750 or Fax: 301-583-3794

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