Health Officials Confirm Two West Nile Virus Deaths, 12 New Human Cases

Monday, the Mississippi State Department of Health (M.S.D.H.) confirmed two new deaths and 12 new human cases of West Nile virus (W.N.V.), bringing the state total to 37 cases and five deaths so far in 2014. The deaths were reported in Lee and Coahoma counties. The new cases were reported in Adams, Carroll, Coahoma, Clarke, Forrest (2), Hinds (2), Jones, Lee, Monroe, and Washington counties.

The M.S.D.H. is also reporting one human case of St. Louis Encephalitis (S.L.E.) in a Coahoma County resident.

So far this year, human W.N.V. 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), Madison (1), Monroe (1), Newton (1), Rankin (4), Yazoo (1), Washington (1), and Wilkinson (1). Five W.N.V. deaths have occurred, in Coahoma, Forrest, Lee, Madison, and Yazoo counties.

The M.S.D.H. only reports laboratory-confirmed cases to the public. In 2013, Mississippi had 45 W.N.V. cases and five deaths.

“This is typically the time of the year when our case numbers rise, given that peak season in Mississippi is July, August, and September. It’s a good reminder that W.N.V. is throughout the state, and all Mississippians should remain vigilant, even with cooler weather,” said M.S.D.H. State Epidemiologist Dr. Thomas Dobbs.

The M.S.D.H. 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 M.S.D.H. website at www.HealthyMS.com.

Follow M.S.D.H. by e-mail and social media at HealthyMS.com/connect.