Maryland Department of Health
Coverage of Maryland Department of Health in the Nexus archive.
- Md. health officials report record-breaking 50 heat-related deaths this summer
The Maryland Department of Health reported a record-breaking total of 50 heat-related fatalities since May, surpassing the previous record of 46 deaths set in 2012. Officials are urging Marylanders to check on vulnerable neighbors and stay hydrated throughout the remainder of the 2026 heat season.
- Maryland reports 1st human case of West Nile virus this year
The Maryland Department of Health confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus this year, following positive tests in mosquitoes in Anne Arundel County. Health officials urge preventive measures like using EPA-registered insect repellent and eliminating standing water to reduce mosquito breeding.
- Maryland records 31 heat deaths in the month, pushing total to second-highest in 15 years
Maryland reported 31 heat-related deaths in July 2024, raising the annual total to 38, the second-highest in 15 years. The deaths follow a heatwave with multiple days exceeding 100 degrees, surpassing last year's total of 36 and nearing the 2012 record of 46. Experts highlight prevention strategies for heat stroke, noting 61% of this year's deaths occurred in individuals aged 65 and older.
- Maryland confirms nearly 150 cases of diarrhea-causing parasite
Maryland has confirmed 148 cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness causing severe diarrhea, with 144 cases reported since May 1. The CDC reports over 6,700 confirmed domestic cases nationwide, linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms distributed to Taco Bell in Michigan and Ohio. Virginia has reported 126 cases, with symptoms including diarrhea, fatigue, and nausea.
- Maryland confirms 5 new measles cases, bringing year’s total to 9
Maryland confirmed five new measles cases in Carroll County, linked to travel to a location with an active U.S. outbreak. Health officials warn of potential exposure at Carroll Hospital Center and urge vaccination, as the state's total cases for the year now reach nine.
- Check your kitchen: Alfredo sauce, dairy cheese recalls impact DC area
The Coffee Connexion Co. is recalling Alfredo sauce due to potential Salmonella contamination, impacting 41 states including Maryland and Virginia. Clover Hill Dairy faces expanded advisories for ricotta cheese linked to a Listeria outbreak that caused illness and at least one death in Maryland.
- Listeria outbreak tied to soft cheese kills 1, sickens others across several states, FDA says
A Listeria outbreak linked to soft cheese has resulted in one death and multiple illnesses across several states, according to the FDA. The Maryland Department of Health has suspended Clover Hill Dairy's operating license.
- Two Maryland residents monitored for hantavirus after sharing flight with infected cruise ship passenger
Two Maryland residents are being monitored for potential hantavirus exposure after sharing a flight with an infected cruise ship passenger. The risk to the public in Maryland remains very low, according to state health officials. The residents were not on the MV Hondius cruise ship but shared a flight with a passenger who has the virus.