First Human Case Of West Nile Virus Of 2024 Reported In Central Maryland

The first human West Nile virus infection was confirmed by the Maryland Department of Health in 2025.

In Maryland, the first West Nile case has been verified.

An adult in Central Maryland has tested positive for the virus and is recuperating from the infection, the FDA said in an advisory released on Saturday.

Maryland has seen very few West Nile virus infections, with only four instances reported in 2021, one each in 2020 and 2022, and a peak of seven in 2023 and 18 confirmed cases in 2024.

According to Dr. Meg Sullivan, deputy secretary for public health services, “We are in the season when the West Nile virus can spread in Maryland.” We encourage everyone to exercise caution, take precautions against illness, and get rid of any standing water where mosquitoes can nest.

“Our teams are continuing to monitor mosquito activity across the state.”

The West Nile virus is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito that has eaten an infected bird, according to the Maryland Department of Health. When they bite, they can subsequently infect humans and other animals with the virus.

The majority of mosquitoes do not test positive for viruses that cause illness. A bite from a mosquito carrying the West Nile Virus, however, can result in severe sickness and occasionally even death.

According to experts, people 50 years of age and older are most at risk for serious disease, even if the odds of getting sick are low. Not every West Nile virus infection will result in illness.

In addition to causing a milder flu-like illness that includes fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and occasionally a skin rash and swollen lymph glands, West Nile can cause neurological illnesses and other significant health issues if caught.

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