Health Officials Confirm One New West Nile Virus Human Case

Monday, the Mississippi State Department of Health (M.S.D.H.) confirmed one new human case of West Nile virus (W.N.V.), bringing the state total to 44 cases and five deaths so far in 2014. The new case was reported in Hinds County.

So far this year, human W.N.V. cases have been reported in the following counties: Adams (3), Bolivar (1), Calhoun (1), Carroll (1), Coahoma (1), Clarke (1), Covington (1), Forrest (6), Harrison (1), Hinds (11), Jones (1), Lauderdale (1), Lee (1), Lowndes (1), Madison (2), Monroe (1), Neshoba (1), Newton (1), Rankin (5), 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.

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.

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