JACKSON, Miss. – Another person has died of the West Nile Virus here in Mississippi, and five more people have the mosquito transmitted disease.
The Mississippi Department of Heath confirmed the new numbers today, saying the death occurred in Forrest County and the new cases in Adams, Forrest, Lamar, Pike and Rankin Counties. That brings the total deaths this year to two and total number of infections to 35.
Even with the new numbers, infections are down significantly. This time last year, there were nearly five times as many cases. But state health officials warn, “it’s hard to predict what it will do for the rest of the season.”
So Dr. Paul Byers says it’s important you don’t let your guard down. “Make sure that you wear the appropriate mosquito repellent when you go outdoors,” he said. “And certainly try to avoid those times of day when mosquitos are most active.”
Most importantly, he says get rid of any standing water, which is where mosquitoes breed.
