Health Officials Confirm One New West Nile Virus Case

Health Officials Confirm One New West Nile Virus Case

JACKSON. – The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) reports one new human case of West Nile virus (WNV), bringing the 2016 state total to four. The reported case is in Rankin County.

So far this year cases have been reported in Hinds, Grenada, Lamar, and Rankin counties. The MSDH only reports laboratory-confirmed cases to the public. In 2015, Mississippi had 38 WNV cases and one death.

Also today, the MSDH reports two new cases of Zika virus in Mississippi residents who recently traveled to the Caribbean and Central America. One case from DeSoto County had traveled to Jamaica and one case from Madison County had traveled to Guatemala. Three other travel-related case occurred earlier this year.

“The most important thing to remember is that West Nile virus is in Mississippi and continues to be a major health threat,” said MSDH State Epidemiologist Dr. Thomas Dobbs. “We are now in peak West Nile season, and we advise all Mississippians to continue to take precautions to prevent infection as we move through the late months.”

In previous years, WNV has been reported from all parts of the state. All Mississippians are potentially at risk – not just the areas where cases are reported.

Symptoms of WNV infection are often mild and may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, a rash, muscle weakness or swollen lymph nodes. 

The MSDH suggests the following precautions to protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses:

• Use an EPA-registered mosquito repellent that contains DEET while you are outdoors.

• Remove all sources of standing water around your home and yard to prevent mosquito breeding.

• Wear loose, light-colored, long clothing to cover the arms and legs when outdoors.

• Avoid areas where mosquitoes are prevalent.