Mosquitoes are at three times their normal number in Maryland this summer (Washington Post)

Thursday Jul 5th, 2018

First came the rains. Now come the mosquitoes.

Populations of the itch-inducing insects have multiplied across Maryland — in many areas up to three times their normal early summer numbers — because of recent storms and flooding that have given them an abundance of water to breed in.

Health officials regularly test the region’s mosquitoes for signs of West Nile virus, Zika and other illnesses that can be carried from person to person through the pest’s bite.

These viruses can cause vomiting, rashes, nausea and, in the worst cases, death. The Zika virus can be transferred from pregnant women to their babies and cause severe birth defects. There are no vaccines for these diseases.

“The mosquito-borne illnesses can cause a range of health issues, including infection that can spread to the brain,” said Baltimore City Health Commissioner Leana S. Wen.

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