State Reports First West Nile Death

JACKSON, Miss. – Today the MSDH confirms the death of a Yazoo County resident from West Nile virus (WNV), the first human death from WNV for 2014. A new human case of WNV in Wilkinson County has also been confirmed.

So far this year, WNV cases have been reported in Adams (1), Hinds (1), Newton (1),
Rankin (2), Yazoo (1), and Wilkinson (1) counties. The MSDH only reports laboratory-confirmed cases to the public. In 2013, Mississippi had 45 WNV cases and five deaths.

The MSDH is also reporting one new case of chikungunya virus in a Mississippi resident who recently returned from the Dominican Republic. This is the sixth case of chikungunya reported in a Mississippi resident.

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.

Categories: Local News

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