State Confirms Second West Nile Virus Death

State health officials are reporting the second death related to West Nile Virus in Maryland.

Because of privacy laws, there is no additional information about the unidentified adult.

Officials with the state Department of Health and Mental Hygiene report that 25 cases of the virus have been confirmed in Maryland in 13 counties. All of the cases involve adults, according to a statement released by the department.

This is the in two weeks attributed to the mosquito-borne disease.

Baltimore County Officials began a spraying program in neighborhoods on the west side of the county last week. A is scheduled for Sept. 13.

Health officials offer the following tips to limit exposure to the disease:

• Avoid areas of high mosquito activity
• Avoid unnecessary outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active
• Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and hats when concerned about mosquito exposure 
• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent according to package directions

Residents are also asked to monitor their yards for standing water and areas that can breed mosquitoes.

• Clean rain gutters to allow water to flow freely
• Remove old tires or drill drainage holes in tires used as playground equipment
• Turn over wading pools, wheelbarrows, wagons and carts when not in use. Flush water from bottom of plant holders twice a week
• Replace water in birdbaths at least twice a week
• Turn garbage can lids upside down and make sure trash receptacles are empty of water
• Fix dripping faucets
• Aerate ornamental pools and water gardens or stock with fish and use a circulating filter system