State Reports Third West Nile Death

JACKSON, Miss. – Today the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) confirms the death of a Forrest County resident from West Nile virus (WNV), the third Mississippi death from WNV in 2014. New human cases have also been confirmed in Hinds (2) and Lauderdale counties.

So far this year, a total of 19 human WNV cases have been reported in the following counties: Adams (2), Bolivar (1), Covington (1), Forrest (1), Hinds (4), Lauderdale (1), Madison (2), Newton (1), Rankin (4), Yazoo (1), and Wilkinson (1) counties. WNV deaths have occurred in Forrest, Madison, and Yazoo counties.

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

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.