LARGO, Md. - Health officials in Prince George's County said it has confirmed the first human case of West Nile Virus this year.
The Prince George's County Health Department said the victim locally acquired the virus after showing symptoms last month, which was confirmed by lab results. The victim is currently under medical care.
"The West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito," the Prince George's County Health Department said in a news release. "The virus cannot be transmitted from one person to another or from birds to people. The virus affects the nervous system."
Some of the symptoms people with West Nile Virus may experience are body aches, fever, headache, nausea, rash, swollen lymph glands and vomiting, health officials said. However, most people infected will not have any symptoms.
Last year, there were six reported West Nile Virus cases in Maryland. However, no one died from the virus.
The Prince George's County Health Department reminds residents to follow the three D's to keep mosquitoes away:
Drain: Standing water attracts mosquitoes. Empty out any outside water containers near your home at least once per week
Dress: Dark clothing attracts mosquitoes. Wear long sleeves, long pants, and light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
Defend: Properly apply an EPA-registered repellent such as DEET, picaridin, IR 3535, or oil of lemon-eucalyptus.