West Nile Cases Continue To Climb

PRESS RELEASE

The Mississippi State Department of Health confirms seven new human cases of West Nile virus.

This brings the total for 2015 to 35 cases. The new cases were reported in Copiah, Hinds (2), Madison, Rankin (2) and Yazoo counties.

So far this year, cases have been reported in Adams, Attala, Copiah, Covington, Forrest (2), Hinds (9), Lauderdale, Madison (5), Marion, Montgomery, Rankin (7), Simpson (2), Washington and Yazoo (2) counties. One death has been reported in Attala County.

The MSDH suggests the following precautions to protect yourself 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.