Video: Another Case Of The Zika Virus Confirmed In Mississippi

[syndicaster id=’6287854′]

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)-The second case of the Zika virus is confirmed in Mississippi.

A 17-year old Noxubee County female caught the virus while serving on a mission trip in Haiti.

Both of the Mississippi patients contracted the virus in Haiti.

The victim had just gotten back from her mission trip when she went to the doctor to notify them she was bitten by a mosquito

The teen was first diagnosed on February 25th.

She isn’t pregnant, which is a good thing, however, the news still hits too close to home for some Noxubee County residents.

“I doubted it you know because its one of those things that you don’t really think that you’re probably going to hear,” said Danny McKay, adminstrator at the Noxubee General Hospital.

Doctor Slater Lowry of Lowry Medical Center in Columbus, diagnosed the teen with the virus.

Slater said the patient had the obvious symptoms such as a rash, muscle aches, red eyes, and fatigue.

“We posted the notification in the emergency room and also in all three of out clinics and now that they’re has been a confirmed case affiliated with Noxubee County, we’ll bring that back up to the the top to heighten the awareness everywhere so providers can know what to look for and what to expect,” said McKay.

Noxubee County General hospital staff are monitoring the situation, and asking for everyone to remain calm.

Some members at Calvary Baptist Church in Macon are preparing for the church’s annual mission trip.

“We’re going to Mexico,” said Pastor Bill Ross of Calvary Baptist Church.

Mexico is one of the countries that has been identified with the Zika virus.

However, Ross said he’s given very little thought about catching the disease.

“I’ve been doing this for nine years now and I’ve never come in contact with anything, I’m just going over there to do the Lord’s work and nothing will stop me from doing that,” said Ross.

Ross said precautionary measures have already been taken to try to keep everyone healthy.

“We recommend all of our local people go to the clinics and have their shots and everything so that they’re health is taken care of before they go just so we’re prepared,” said Ross.

Noxubee County E.M.A. director Corey Brown said he and another city worker went to the Mississippi Department of Health to learn how the Zika virus spreads and the different ways to combat the virus.

And for the 17 year old affected by the virus, she is doing fine, and continuing her life as normal.