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Jackson, Miss.-- As cooler temperatures inevitably arrive, News Mississippi wants to know whether or not this would slow the high rate that West Nile virus is appearing in the state?
So far this year there have been 169 cases of the virus inside Mississippi. A much higher rate than last year but not unheard of such as 2002 when 192 cases were reported.
"We do know when that when the temperatures get a bit cooler the mosquitoes that can transmit West Nile are less active," says state epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers.
But he that doesn't mean just because the most active months for cases, July, August, and September, are almost behind Mississippians that they can throw caution to the wind.
Byers says, "We've had cases of West Nile reported to us in the middle of winter."
So far this year there have been 169 cases of the virus inside Mississippi. A much higher rate than last year but not unheard of such as 2002 when 192 cases were reported.
"We do know when that when the temperatures get a bit cooler the mosquitoes that can transmit West Nile are less active," says state epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers.
But he that doesn't mean just because the most active months for cases, July, August, and September, are almost behind Mississippians that they can throw caution to the wind.
Byers says, "We've had cases of West Nile reported to us in the middle of winter."
Traditionally, yes, numbers reported wane as the cooler months arrive in-state. But even as the daylight gets shorter, precaution needs to be taken on warmer days to spray, wear protective clothing, and stay indoors during active hours light dusk and dawn.
So far four people have died of West NIle virus in Mississippi this year.
