First human case of West Nile Virus in 2023 identified in Maryland

MARYLAND – The Maryland Department of Health announced on Wednesday the first confirmed human case of West Nile Virus in the state.

We’re told the case involves an adult living on the Eastern Shore who is recovering from the infection.

West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes infected by breeding on birds that have the virus. In rare cases, the virus may spread from person to person through organ donation, blood transfusion, breastfeeding, or from pregnant mother to fetus.

The virus was first detected in the United States in 1999. In 2020, only one confirmed case was identified, with four in 2021, and one in 2022.

More on West Nile Virus can be found here.