New West Nile Case Confirmed in Lowndes

JACKSON, Miss. – Today the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) confirms three new human cases of West Nile virus (WNV), bringing the state total to 40 cases and five deaths so far in 2014. The new cases were reported in Lowndes, Neshoba, and Rankin counties.

So far this year, human WNV cases have been reported in the following counties: Adams (3), Bolivar (1), Carroll (1), Coahoma (1), Clarke (1), Covington (1), Forrest (6), Harrison (1), Hinds (9), Jones (1), Lauderdale (1), Lee (1), Lowndes (1), Madison (1), Monroe (1), Neshoba (1), Newton (1), Rankin (5), Yazoo (1), Washington (1), and Wilkinson (1). Five WNV deaths have occurred, in Coahoma, Forrest, Lee, Madison, and Yazoo counties.

The MSDH only reports laboratory-confirmed cases to the public. In 2013, Mississippi had 45 WNV cases and five deaths.

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.