BALTIMORE (July 17, 2014) – The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has begun tracking West Nile virus (WNV) and other diseases transmitted by mosquitoes for the 2014 season. Maryland residents should take precautions to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites in order to prevent West Nile Virus. The Department also tracks cases of imported mosquito-borne diseases, such as chikungunya and dengue viruses.

Martin O’Malley announced the formation of the Overdose Prevention Council to counter an increase in the number of overdose deaths in an executive order released today. Under Governor O’Malley’s leadership, the state has added drug and alcohol overdose deaths to theAdministration’s 16 strategic goals and is currently working to drive down overdose deaths by 20 percent by 2015.

BALTIMORE, MD (June 25, 2014) – The first heat-related deaths of the 2014 season have occurred, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) announced. Both people who died were adults over the age of 65 with underlying health conditions. One was a female in Harford County and the other a male in Baltimore County. Both deaths occurred during the week of June 17 to June 23.