JACKSON, Miss. – An adult in Hinds County has been sicken with the potentially deadly West Nile Virus (WNV). The Mississippi Department of Health confirmed Monday that it is the state’s first human case of the mosquito transmitted disease this year.
Last year, Mississippi had seven deaths from 43 West Nile Virus cases.
“While WNV can occur any time of the year, we see the bulk of our cases during peak season, which is July through September,” said MSDH State Epidemologist Dr. Thomas Dobbs. “So this is the time of year to be extremely vigilant when going outdoors.
In past 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. In a small number of cases, infection can result in encephalitis or meningitis, which can lead to paralysis, coma and possibly death.
The MSDH suggests the following precautions to protect yourself and your environment from mosquito-borne illnesses:
· Use a recommended mosquito repellent that contains DEET while you are outdoors.
· Remove all standing water around your home and yard to stop them from breeding.
· Wear loose, light-colored, long clothing to cover the arms and legs when outdoors.
- Stay away from areas that have high numbers of mosquitoes.
