Mississippi’s First West Nile Virus Case of the Year Reported in Hinds County

Photo Courtesy Alvesgaspar/Wikipedia

The Mississippi Department of Health confirmed today that a Hinds County adult has been diagnosed with the state’s first case of the deadly West Nile Virus for 2015.

Transmitted by mosquitos, West Nile is a seasonal epidemic that flares up during the summer and continues into the fall.

“While WNV can occur any time of the year, we see the bulk of our cases during peak season, which is July through September. So this is the time of year to be extremely vigilant when going outdoors,” MSDH State Epidemiologist Dr. Thomas Dobbs said in a press release.

In 2014, MSDH reported 43 laboratory-confirmed West Nile Virus cases and seven deaths. West Nile Virus has been reported in all parts of the state in previous years, and all Mississippians are potentially at risk.

West Nile Virus infection includes the following mild symptoms:

• Fever
• Headache
• Nausea/vomiting,
• A rash
• Muscle weakness
• Swollen lymph nodes

In certain cases, infection can result in encephalitis or meningitis, which can lead to paralysis, coma and death.

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.

Please see www.HealthyMS.com/westnile for more information.

Beth Harmon is managing editor for HottyToddy.com. Email her at beth.harmon@hottytoddy.com.