JACKSON, Miss. – Another person has been diagnosed with the West Nile Virus this year. The person lives in Hinds County, but no name is being given out. That means 40 people here in Mississippi have gotten the virus so far this year, and two have died.
The others with the virus live in Adams, Bolivar, Forrest (5), Harrison, Hinds (12), Jones (2), Lamar (4), Leflore (2), Lincoln, Lowndes, Madison (3), Marion, Pike, Rankin (4) and Wayne counties.
Last year 247 people across the state got West Nile and five died.
You should take appropriate precautions to reduce the risk of contracting WNV and other mosquito-borne illnesses year-round: remove sources of standing water, especially after rainfall; and if you will be in mosquito-prone areas, wear protective clothing (such as long-sleeved shirts and pants) during peak times from dusk until dawn, and use a recommended mosquito repellent according to manufacturer’s directions.
Symptoms of WNV infection 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 and possibly death.
