Prevent West Nile Risk PDF Print E-mail
Snow Hill, Md. – The Worcester County Health Department provides the following tips to help prevent contact with mosquitoes and reduce risk of infection by the West Nile virus.


West Nile virus is most common during the summer and fall months. The virus is transmitted by infected mosquitoes and spread to humans, birds, horses and other animals. Since mosquitoes can breed in as little as a quarter inch of water, the recent rain may attract more mosquitoes.
 
To avoid contact with mosquitoes:
 
  • Stay indoors at dawn and dusk.
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.
  • Use an EPA-registered insect repellant and follow package instructions.
  • Get rid of mosquito breeding sites.
    • Remove all discarded tires from property.
    • Dispose of water-holding containers.
    • Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly.
    • Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out.
    • Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they are not in use.
 
Most people infected with West Nile virus will show no symptoms; however, some people may have mild to severe symptoms that may include swollen lymph glands, a rash, fever, headache, disorientation and others. The easiest and best way to avoid this virus is to prevent mosquito bites.

 

WCHD News

 **Health Advisory**
 
Shellfish and shellfish products from Korea should not be eaten
 
BALTIMORE, MD (May 17, 2012) - The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) is advising consumers not to eat any fresh or frozen molluscan shellfish that come from South Korea.  Molluscan shellfish includes fresh or frozen oysters, clams, and mussels, whole and roe-on scallops, either shucked or in the shell, whole or in part.  Crabs and shrimp are not molluscan shellfish.  Shellfish grown and produced in Maryland are not affected. There are no recent cases of illness in Maryland known to be related to Korean shellfish. 
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Baltimore (May 16, 2012) --The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) has announced the appointment of Craig Stofko as the Health Officer for Somerset County Health Department effective today.  He has served as Interim Health Officer since August 2011.  
 
"We are delighted that Craig accepted the position as leader of the Somerset County Health Department," said Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein, DHMH Secretary. "We look forward to having him join Maryland's public health leadership team."
Read more...
 

May is Hepatitis Awareness Month: Get Educated, Get Vaccinated and Get Tested! MD Hepatitis Coalition honoring Local Heroes

 

Baltimore, MD (May 8, 2012) –The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) joins the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Maryland Hepatitis Coalition in observance of National Hepatitis Awareness Month.  DHMH also joins the Maryland Hepatitis Coalition in honoring a number of local heroes for their exemplary work and dedication in the battle against this disease.

Read more...
 

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