The death of an individual infected with West Nile Virus marks Maryland's first reported casualty due to the disease this year.
Due to the growing number of reported cases in the state, health department officials are strongly advising residents to follow the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.
Officials declined to reveal the identity of the individual but said the infected person was a resident of Baltimore County and died on September 8, the Associated Press reported.
According to Dr. Howard Haft, the deputy secretary of the state's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, deaths related to West Nile Virus is uncommon but the disease can still endanger the elderly individuals.
"This is very unfortunate, and though not common, we do know that people can die from West Nile Virus infection," he said according to WUSA9. "While the virus can occur symptom-free in people and resolve itself naturally in a few weeks, it can cause sickness or death, typically in older people."
The first case of West Nile Virus infection in Maryland this year was reported earlier in August, CBS Baltimore has learned. This number then increased to three towards the end of the month and now, the state currently has 29 reported cases.
Health officials consider this quite alarming especially since only six cases were reported last year.
The West Nile Virus has an average incubation period of 2 to 14 days according to the CDC. Those infected with this disease will experience a variety of symptoms including but not limited to fever, headaches, fatigue and body pains. In some cases, patients experience skin rashes, eye pain, swollen lymph glands, seizures, tremors and disorientation.
The virus is also known to cause neurological illnesses such as meningitis or encephalitis.
Although a specific treatment or vaccine has not yet been developed to combat West Nile Virus, it can be cured through antiviral medications and pain relievers. However, serious cases would oftentimes require hospital treatment and the use of intravenous fluids.
Since the West Nile Virus spreads through mosquito bites, health officials recommend clearing areas with stagnant water that can serve as breeding grounds for these insects. This includes cleaning rain gutters, drain pipes and birdbaths. It would also help to drain drainage holes on items that can accidentally collect water such as old tires and containers used for outdoor equipment.
Aside from these methods, residents are also advised to regularly apply mosquito repellant on their skin to prevent mosquito bites.
