New Case of Zika Virus Reported in Mississippi

JACKSON, Miss. (WCBI)-The Mississippi State Department of Health, orMSDH, is reporting one new case of Zika virus, bringing the 2016 total to nine in Mississippi. The case was a resident from Rankin County who recently traveled to Guatemala.

Zika is a mosquito-borne virus that causes severe birth defects in a developing fetus, if the mother is infected during pregnancy. Zika virus infection can cause a mild illness with symptoms such as fever, joint pain, conjunctivitis or rash. The symptomss can last for several days to a week, but 80 percent of those infected have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. Death is very rare.

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

• Use an EPA-registered 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.

For more information on mosquito-borne illnesses, visit the MSDH website at HealthyMS.com/westnile and HealthyMs.com/zika.