JACKSON, Miss. – Five more people have been diagnosed with the mosquito transmitted West Nile Virus here in Mississippi, bringing the state total for the year to 24.
The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) confirmed Monday that the new cases were reported in Forrest (2), Harrison (1) and Hinds (2) counties.
So far this year, three Mississippians have died of the disease. Those residents were not identified, but MSDH said they lived in Forrest, Madison and Yazoo counties.
To protect yourself, health experts suggest you:
– Use a mosquito repellent containing DEET while you are outdoors,
– Remove all sources of standing water around your home to prevent mosquito breeding,
– Wear loose, light colored, long clothing to cover your arms and legs when outside,
– And avoid areas were mosquitos are present in high numbers .
Last year, Mississippi had 45 West Nile Virus patients and five deaths.
