The Mississippi Department of Health recently announced the second human case of West Nile in 2017.
State epidemiologist, Paul Byers says prevention is easy and necessary.
The culprit is the southern house mosquito which Byers says breeds just outside in the back yard.
“Mosquitoes don’t travel very far,” said Byers. “So, it’s important for us to look at our own homes and look at what we’ve got going on in our back yard and our front yard to make sure that we reduce our risk for West Nile virus.”
- Remove all standing water around the home and yard to prevent mosquito breeding
- Wear loose, light-colored clothing to cover the arms and legs when outdoors
- Use a mosquito repellent that contains DEET when outside
- Avoid areas where mosquitoes are prevalent
Byers adds to protect from being bitten it is important to avoid the peak time when the virus carrying mosquitoes are most active, early morning and evening hours when it is cooler outside.
