Mississippi human West Nile virus tally now at seven cases, about two dozens cases reported nationwide to date
A new human West Nile virus (WNV) case from Lincoln County is the seventh case of 2013 in Mississippi, according to the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH).
There has been one death due to WNV so far this year.
Image/Perry-Castañeda Library
In 2013 to date, cases have been reported in Forrest (2), Lincoln, Lowndes, Madison, Montgomery and Wayne counties.
With this most recent case from Mississippi, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting 24 cases from the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Iowa, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Texas.
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.
MSDH health officials say 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 manufacturers directions.
In 2012, Mississippi had a record number of human WNV cases. Last year, the state reported 247 WNV cases and five deaths.
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