County's First Confirmed Case This Year ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 2, 2003) - The Anne Arundel County Department of Health announced today that a 56-year-old woman is the County's first confirmed case of West Nile virus in 2003. The patient is convalescing at home. This is Maryland's second confirmed positive case for West Nile virus this year. In 2002, Anne Arundel County had eight confirmed positive human cases. The virus is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people who are bitten by an infected mosquito have no or mild symptoms. About one percent of those infected have serious symptoms that require hospitalization. "The Department of Health is working closely with the State of Maryland and the local medical community to protect the public's health and to track the virus," said County Health Officer Frances B. Phillips. "Prevention is key to avoiding West Nile virus infection. All of us need to do our part. We need to eliminate mosquito breeding sites in our yards, wear protective clothing and use mosquito repellents according to directions." Information about West Nile virus is available on the Department of Health's Web site, www.aahealth.org. The site answers frequently asked questions about the virus and links to West Nile virus fact sheets. Information about the disease is also available by calling the Communicable Diseases Program, 410-222-7256. For mosquito control information, go to www.mda.state.md.us or call 410-841-5870. | 
