West Nile Virus cases prompt county to spray

PIKESVILLE, Md. (WMAR) - Most people spray a few squirts of bug repellant to keep mosquitoes away, but the Baltimore County Department of Health says they will be spraying two entire areas in their county.

Two new human cases of the West Nile Virus have prompted the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) to spray areas in Pikesville and Catonsville.

The Pikesville area will be sprayed on Tuesday, and people who live in Catonsville should expect their area to be strayed on Wednesday.

Both of the sprayings are set to take place around 7:30 p.m.

The MDA is asking residents in the affected areas to stay inside of their homes during the spraying.

INTERACTIVE |     Symptoms of West Nile Virus

The health department says that mosquitoes carrying the Wist Nile Virus are present in the Baltimore area.

When humans come in contact with the virus, it can cause either no symptoms, or mild, flu-like illness, but it can also be deadly.

ABC2 is working for you with tips to protect yourself and your family from getting bit by mosquitoes.

Try using these preventive measures below:

• Use EPA-registered mosquito repellents according to directions
• Avoid areas of high mosquito infestation
• Avoid unnecessary outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active
• Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and hats outdoors when possible 
• Repair damaged window screens
• Drain areas of standing water on your

Baltimore County Department of Health advises that the Sudbrook community will not be included in the Pikesville spraying.