Another West Nile Death Reported in State

JACKSON, Miss. – Today the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) confirms the death of a Madison County resident from West Nile virus (WNV), the second Mississippi death from WNV in 2014. New human cases were also reported in Adams, Bolivar, Covington, Forrest, and Rankin counties.

So far this year, a total of 15 human WNV cases have been reported in the following counties: Adams (2), Bolivar (1), Covington (1), Forrest (1), Hinds (2), Madison (1), Newton (1), Rankin (4), Yazoo (1), and Wilkinson (1) counties. WNV deaths have occurred in Madison and Yazoo counties.

The MSDH only reports laboratory-confirmed cases to the public. In 2013, Mississippi had 45 WNV cases and five deaths.

“We usually see the bulk of our West Nile cases in August, and peak season in Mississippi runs through September,” said Dr. Thomas Dobbs, MSDH State Epidemiologist. “Sadly, it’s a reminder to all Mississippians to remain vigilant about protecting themselves and their environments from all mosquito-borne illnesses.”

The MSDH suggests the following precautions to protect yourself and your environment from mosquito-borne illnesses:

· Use a recommended mosquito repellent that contains DEET while you are outdoors.

· Remove all sources of standing water around your home and yard to prevent mosquito breeding.

· Wear loose, light-colored, long clothing to cover the arms and legs when outdoors.

· Avoid areas where mosquitoes are prevalent.

· Travelers to the Caribbean should take precautions against mosquito exposure. Please see www.HealthyMS.com/chik for more information.

For more information on mosquito-borne illnesses, visit the MSDH website at www.HealthyMS.com.