Zika prevention efforts get underway in Md.

WASHINGTON — Maryland officials say they have begun efforts to combat mosquitoes for the summer and are working to prevent the spread of Zika, a virus transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes.

Maryland Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder said in a statement Tuesday that the Zika virus continues to be a “major public health concern.”

State officials will work to eliminate potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes and will spray pesticides to control the population.

“We spray typically either at dusk or dawn which are when the mosquitoes are most active,” said spokesman Jason Schellhardt with the agriculture department. “Our goal is to make sure that we are keeping mosquito-borne disease out of Maryland.”

More