BALTIMORE, MD -
Maryland health officials are reporting the state's first death from the West Nile virus.
They aren't releasing any other details, including which part of the state the person was from.
Nationwide, the numbers of cases are up 40 percent since just last week.
So far this year, the state of Maryland has had 13 cases. Virginia has had 4 reported cases, but no deaths. D.C. has had no reported cases, but the disease has been found in mosquitoes.
David Lauder was playing outdoors at dusk with his 5 month old French bulldog, Pimms.
He says he's aware of the rising problem with the West Nile virus, but he isn't worried.
He says, "I think the chances are pretty low that anybody who gets bitten will contract it, so I'm going with the low odds and hope that serves me well."
An early spring and hot summer are said to be responsible for the rise in cases.
Mosquitoes get the virus from feeding on infected birds and spread it to people they bite.
Symptoms include fever, headache and body aches. Most people get better in a few days.
Since mosquitoes breed in standing water, health officials recommend clearing anything from your yard that may contain water, keeping gutters clear, and periodically flushing bird baths.
They say the precautions should help lessen the number of mosquitoes and the threat of the West Nile virus.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture says it will spray for mosquitoes in Baltimore County.
It comes after a case of West Nile virus was reported.
The spraying will take place Sept. 6 and 13 after 7:30 p.m. in the Milford Mill area.
