West Nile Spreads Across the States - WMDT 47 News - Delmarva's Choice

WMDT 47 NEWS- Mosquito bites, they itch and swell and they're just annoying! But with the recent west nile outbreak across the United States, bug bites have become more than just a nuisance.  

According to the CDC, nearly 700 cases have been reported this year and at least 26 of those cases have been deadly. Texas has been hit the worst. Texas health officials in the state have been taking emergency precautions, including aerial mosquito spraying.

"I'm in a tight window because we have people dying, we have a sense of urgency to get this done now, " says Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings.

So far, there has only been two reported cases in Maryland. Both of the cases, were reported in Central Maryland. However, it's no secret that mosquitoes are prevalent on the Eastern Shore, especially in coastal communities.

WMDT spoke with locals to see if they were concerned.
           
"If there was more cases in Maryland, I'd be more concerned," says one Salisbury Resident. 

"Well we live in Trace Hallow Run and we have mosquito spraying. It's something that we should be concerned about, although there hasn't been any cases here, it's just a matter of time," says Salisbury resident Pat Garufi.

But Vinnie Garufi, is taking extra precautions to protect his son.

"We were out with him doing just this, swinging on the swing a few nights ago at dusk and he got about 8 bites in the course of about ten minutes. And we came inside and saw the news stories, so we've been very concerned, constantly making sure he doesn't have a fever," says Vinnie.

Local health departments, including Somerset, Worcester and Wicomico want to advise Eastern Shore residents to take extra precautions. They suggest avoiding going outside during dawn and dusk hours because that is when mosquitos are heavily out. Also, wear long pants and long sleeves if weather permitting. In addition, remove any standing water away from outside your home.

And local health officials say the number one precaution to take is to apply bug repellent frequently.

With all the different types of bug spray to choose from, be sure to check the labels to see if it is EPA registered. That's the type of repellent that health officials recommend to ward off pesky mosquitoes.