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Maryland Reports First Human Case of West Nile Virus for 2026

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In Short: The Maryland Department of Health has confirmed the state's first human case of West Nile virus for 2026.

Culex mosquito and West Nile Virus Micrograph
Photo: Visualspecialist / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

The Maryland Department of Health has announced the state's first human case of West Nile virus for 2026, marking the beginning of the season for this potentially serious illness.

Health officials are urging residents to take precautions such as using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating standing water to reduce the risk of infection.

The department is working closely with local health departments to monitor the situation and provide guidance to the public.

This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat of West Nile virus in Maryland and the importance of preventive measures.

Background

Maryland is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions of the United States. It borders Virginia to its south, West Virginia to its west, Pennsylvania to its north, and Delaware to its east, as well as with the Atlantic Ocean to its east, and the national capital and federal district of Washington, D.C. to the southwest.

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