JACKSON, MISS– Three more patients have been diagnosed with West Nile Virus, bringing the total for this year to eight, announced the Mississippi Department of Health Monday.
Two of the cases were diagnosed in Hinds County, the other in Lowndes County.
The other diagnoses were confirmed in Hinds, Grenada, Lamar, Lowndes, and Rankin counties.
In 2015, there were 38 West Nile Virus patients. One of them died.
“We are in peak West Nile virus season in Mississippi, and all residents should be mindful of protecting themselves, regardless of whether there has been a case reported in your county,” said MSDH Deputy State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers.
Symptoms of WNV 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, or possibly death.
The MSDH suggested wearing light-colored clothing and spraying with DEET before going outside, as well as eliminating standing water and avoid mosquito-prone areas in order to reduce the risk of contracting West Nile virus.
