This week seven new cases of West Nile Virus (WNV), that brings the state’s total to 10 for 2017.
The most recent cases are in Covington, Hinds (3), Humphreys, Leflore and Perry Counties. This years cases have also been reported in Forrest, Leflore, and Rankin counties.
In 2016 Mississippi had 43 reported WNV cases and two deaths.
“We are now in peak season for West Nile virus in Mississippi, and even if there has not been a reported human case in your county, our surveillance has shown that mosquitoes that carry the virus are active in all parts of the state,” said MSDH State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers.
Symptoms can include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle weakness or swollen lymph nodes. In a small number of cases meningitis, encephalitis, or even paralysis, coma and death are possible.
You can protect yourself by doing the following:
- remove all sources of standing water around your home and yard
- wear loose, light-colored, long clothing
- avoid areas where mosquitoes are prevalent
- wear DEET.
