Health Concern In Anne Arundel County Prompts Mosquito Spraying

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — The Maryland Department of Agriculture announced that there is a public health concern over the potential for mosquito-borne diseases in Anne Arundel County. As a result, the state will be spraying a special solution in the area to kill the insects.

An ultra low-volume truck is scheduled to spray a 1-mile radius around Waterford Road and Route 100 after 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 26. In the event of inclement weather, officials said spraying would be rescheduled for the following evening.

Parts of the following communities will be sprayed after 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 26, according to officials:

• Annapolis Pines
• Ember
• Magothy Park
• Pasadena Manor
• Waterford
• Waterford Mills

An ultra low-volume truck will spray a permethrin-based solution, which kills adult mosquitoes.

While authorities say the impacts are minimal, they advise avoiding outdoor activities during the spraying.

Those who have mosquito problems can file a complaint to make the state aware of the situation in their area.

People can do these things to prevent their risk of contracting mosquito-borne illness:

• Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and hats
• Reduce standing water — dump rain that has accumulated in places like garbage cans
• Install, inspect and repair window screens in homes and stables
• Use an Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent
• Clean bird baths and pet bowls and remove unnecessary water containers

The Maryland Department of Health also maintains a West Nile page with information about reported cases.

What Happens If You Get West Nile Virus?

While 80 percent of people infected do not have symptoms, about 20 percent of those with West Nile virus have a fever with headache, body aches, diarrhea, rash and/or swollen lymph glands within two to 14 days of being bitten by an infected mosquito. Most people recover on their own but fatigue and/or weakness may last weeks or months.

Fewer than 1 percent of people infected with West Nile virus experience more severe symptoms — such as tremors, paralysis, convulsions, neck stiffness, high fever, muscle weakness and coma — according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It can be fatal, particularly for sensitive groups such as those over 60 years of age and people with compromised immune systems.

Once it is discovered that a person has West Nile virus, the Maryland Department of Agriculture will spray around a three-quarter mile radius of where an individual infected with the virus resides, and there will be routine spraying throughout the state where communities participate in mosquito spraying, officials said.

Anyone who would like more information about the Maryland Department of Agriculture's Mosquito Control Program may call 410-841-5870.

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