4 New West Nile Cases Reported

JACKSON, Miss. – Today the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) reports four new human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) for 2013. The reported cases are in Hinds (2), Lamar, and Rankin counties, bringing the state total for 2013 to 27 cases, including one death.

So far this year, cases have been reported in Bolivar, Forrest (3), Hinds (9), Jones, Lamar (3), Leflore (2), Lincoln, Lowndes, Madison, Marion, Rankin (3) and Wayne counties. The MSDH only reports laboratory-confirmed cases to the public.

In 2012, Mississippi had 247 WNV cases and five deaths.

Mississippians should take appropriate precautions to reduce the risk of contracting WNV and other mosquito-borne illnesses year-round: remove sources of standing water, especially after rainfall; and if you will be in mosquito-prone areas, wear protective clothing (such as long-sleeved shirts and pants) during peak times from dusk until dawn, and use a recommended mosquito repellent according to manufacturer’s directions.

Symptoms of WNV infection are often mild and may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, a rash, muscle weakness or swollen lymph nodes. In a small number of cases, infection can result in encephalitis or meningitis, which can lead to paralysis, coma and possibly death.

For more information on WNV and other mosquito-borne illnesses, a checklist to reduce the mosquito population in and around homes, and recommended mosquito repellents, visit the MSDH website at www.HealthyMS.com/westnile or call the WNV toll-free hotline from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1-877-WST-NILE

(1-877-978-6453).