Zika virus in Maryland
Maryland is a state located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east.
Two cases of Zika virus were confirmed in Maryland.
The first case of Zika virus in Maryland has been confirmed in Baltimore on 11 February 2016. The patient has traveled to a country in Central America where Zika virus has been active. The case was confirmed following a blood test. The patient has fully recovered. Maryland has delivered 17 Zika test kits to the CDC for analysis. So far, one has been returned positive and two have been returned negative.
The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene said that they expect to begin seeing cases of Zika virus as travelers return to the State from the infected areas. The State plans to begin testing of Zika virus in residents in two weeks. It is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to monitor new developments in the virus.
On 17 February 2016, Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake announced a Zika preparedness group to help coordinate a citywide response for the potential impact of Zika.
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Baltimore
A special group has been formed in Baltimore city to prepare for any potential dangers because of Zika virus.
Research on Zika virus in Maryland
A company called GenArraytion in Rockville, Maryland is working to eradicate the Zika virus in time for the Olympics this summer in Rio.
The Global Virus Network which has its central headquarters in Baltimore has formed a Zika task force with experts on the virus from around the world.
Johns Hopkins University
The School of Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University held a symposium on 17 February 2016 where experts talked about the Zika virus, how it spreads and the symptoms of the disease. Experts said that the people who are in Zika virus destinations should do their best to prevent mosquito bites.
Noteworthy People
- Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Baltimore City Mayor
- Dr. Leana Wen - Baltimore City Health Commissioner
- Dr. Howard Haft - Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
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