DC-area Maryland resident diagnosed with West Nile Virus

BALTIMORE, Md. - A Maryland resident in the D.C. area has been diagnosed with the West Nile Virus, the state health department said on Tuesday afternoon.

They say this is the only infection of the mosquito-borne illness this year.

Officials did not specify where the person lives, or how serious their illness is.

The number of cases in the state varies significantly.

In 2003, there were 73 cases. In 2012, there were 47 cases; in 2015, 46 cases; and in 2018, 45 cases.

Here are some of the protective measures people can take to avoid infection:
•    Avoiding areas of high mosquito activity.
•    Wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts and hats when outdoors.
•    Using an EPA-registered insect repellent according to package directions.