Maryland has thus far recorded nine cases of travel-associated Zika statewide. Still, the area is home to the Aedes aegypti mosquito — the primary vector for Zika transmission. Therefore, the state and its largest metro area are prepping for the potential of locally acquired Zika, according to The Baltimore Sun.
Gov. Larry Hogan declared April 24 through April 30 as Zika Awareness Week in Maryland and has been organizing educational events with local health departments. Baltimore city officials say they are spraying insecticide, educating residents on prevention and administering safety kits to pregnant residents. The state-funded kits include information, mosquito repellent and condoms for protection against sexual transmission of the virus.
Baltimore residents will also be able to dial 311 to report issues of standing water that often matriculate in trash or discarded containers and can provide breeding grounds to mosquitoes.
Leana Wen, MD, Baltimore's health commissioner, is urging residents to proactively monitor their own yards for mosquito-friendly debris.
"There is no vaccine and no cure for Zika. That's why prevention and education are key...every citizen can help keep Zika out of Baltimore by eliminating mosquito breeding grounds in their communities and taking precautions to prevent mosquito bites," Dr. Wen told the Sun.
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