Mississippi’s first human case of West Nile virus of 2026 has been confirmed.
The state health department reports that the case was confirmed in Harrison County, with the victim’s name and age not being released. West Nile virus is transmitted primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito, officials say.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 80% infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms. Roughly 20% who are infected develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash.
With mosquitoes flourishing in hotter temperatures, the summer is prime time for the pesky insects to feast and potentially spread illnesses like West Nile virus. While the risk of a healthy person getting the virus from a mosquito bite is very low, officials encourage Mississippians to take the following precautions.
Protect Yourself
- Stay indoors or take personal protective measures, especially between dusk and dawn, which are peak mosquito biting times.
- Use mosquito repellent with DEET, an active ingredient in most insect sprays.
- Products with up to 30% DEET will provide adequate protection under most conditions.
- Use DEET concentrations of 10% or less on children ages 2-12 years of age.
- For children less than 2 years of age, parents should consult their pediatrician.
- Wear long-sleeved, long-legged clothing with socks and shoes when practical.
Protect Your Home
- Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers.
- Remove all discarded tires on the property.
- Used tires have become the most common mosquito breeding site in the county.
- Close garbage can lids.
- Be sure water does not collect in the bottom of garbage cans.
- Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.
