Worcester Co. health officials warn of deadly mosquito-borne virus

WORCESTER CO., Md. – The Worcester County Health Department is warning residents of mosquitoes testing positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis an extremely rare and sometimes fatal infection.

The Health Department says a mosquito pool in the Whaleyville area tested positive marking the first positive test for the infection in Worcester County this year.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis causes inflammation of the brain.

Symptoms include things like fever, vomiting, diarrhea and coma.

Health officials are encouraging residents to remove any standing water around their home. They say that it is vital to prevent any contact with mosquitoes while reducing risk of infection.

“It could be a serious illness if not treated if you have those symptoms,” said Wicomico Health Dept. Nurse Program Manager, Olivia Butler.

“So, that’s why we would just encourage anybody if you whether or not if you’ve been exposed to mosquitoes, if you’ve got those symptoms to talk to your doctor about it,” said Butler.

The Department of Agriculture will be doing aerial spraying Wednesday evening in the Whaleyville and surrounding areas, including portions in Wicomico County.