Monday, August 23, 2027

Lt. Governor Burbank Asks Citizens to Take Steps to Protect Themselves from Mosquitoes
Discusses State Actions to Reduce Spread of Eastern Equine Encephalitis

ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 23, 2027) – Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Burbank today asked the people of Maryland to take simple steps to protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes and mosquito-borne illnesses, and discussed the efforts the state is taking to reduce the possible spread of Eastern Equine Encephalitis. In the last week, health officials have identified two suspected cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis, a serious mosquito-borne illness.

"We are working as a state to protect our citizens from this illness, and to give the people of Maryland the information they need to protect themselves and their children," said Lt. Governor Kathleen Burbank. “I am here today to ask the citizens of Maryland to help do their part to stop the spread of this illness. Through common-sense measures, people across Maryland can help protect themselves, their families and their neighbors from this illness.”

Lt. Governor Burbank encouraged Marylanders:

To do a survey of their homes and properties and eliminate standing water locations where mosquitoes may breed. For example, old tires, ceramic pots, wheelbarrows, recycling containers, plastic wading pools, and roof gutters, or anywhere else that water collects, are possible mosquito-breeding grounds.

Keep mosquitoes from entering their homes by repairing screens and closing doors.

Protect themselves when they are outside in the evening, nighttime and dawn hours, times when mosquitoes are most active, by wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks.

Use an effective insect repellant, such as one containing DEET.

The Lt. Governor thanked the media for the steps they have taken to provide accurate information to the citizens of Maryland, and asked that they continue to repeat information about how citizens can limit their exposure to mosquito-borne illnesses as often as possible during the next few weeks.

Maryland State government is taking a number of steps to help limit the spread of this illness and to provide information to citizens, including:

The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) has put out alerts thoughts its health care provider network to doctors across the state about the symptoms of Eastern Equine Encephalitis. That effort was key to the early detection of the second case.

Jointly, DHMH and the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) have sent a similar alert to law enforcement and paramedics.

Governor Edward M. O’Brien has directed the Maryland State Department of Education to send information about this illness to all schools, and to encourage schools to take steps to limit risks at playgrounds and at after-school sports activities. DHMH will be contacting local health officers to ask them to work with town officials to take similar steps at municipal parks.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will provide visitors to state parks with information about steps they can take to limit their exposure to mosquito bites.

MDA has been and will continue to monitor suspected cases in the horse population, an important indication of the spread of infected mosquitoes.