JACKSON, Miss.-Four new cases of West Nile Virus have been confirmed by the Mississippi State Department of Health.
That brings this years total to 30. The cases were reported in Adams, Attala, Copiah, and Marion counties.
Other cases reported this year were in Adams, Attala, Calhoun, Chickasaw, Copiah(3), Forrest, Hinds(7), Grenada, Jackson, Lamar(3), Lee, Leflour, Lincoln, Lowndes, Marion(3), Perry and Rankin(2) counties. So far one person has died due to the virus.
Sypmtoms include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, a rash, muscle weakness or swollen lymph nodes. Special cases can lead to infections that cause encephalitis, or meningitis. These lead to paralysis, coma, and potentially death.
To protect yourself from mosquitoes that carry the virus:
- Use mosquito repellent like DEET.
- Remove all standing water around your home.
- Wear loose, light clothing covering your arms and legs when outdoors.
- Avoid areas with lots of mosquitos.
