Mississippi Health Officials Report 17 New West Nile Virus Cases for 2008
One new LAC case reported

From: Mississippi Dept. of Health    Filed 8/11/08  GCN

(Jackson, MS) Today, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) reports 17 new human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) for 2008, bringing the state’s total number of WNV cases to 34 with one death. The new cases are in Forrest, Hinds (2), Jasper, Jones (2), Lamar, Leake, Madison (2), Marion (2), Neshoba (2), Rankin, Scott and Washington counties. The agency also reports one additional case of LaCrosse encephalitis (LAC) in Amite County, bringing the state’s total of LAC cases to four. The MSDH reports both confirmed and probable cases to the public. 

Since March 2008, WNV cases have been reported in Clarke, Forrest (3), Harrison, Hinds (3), Jasper, Jones (5), Lamar, Lawrence, Leake, Lincoln, Madison (4), Marion (2), Monroe (2), Neshoba (4) and Pearl River, Rankin, Scott and Washington counties. Four cases of LaCrosse Encephalitis (LAC) have been reported in Adams, Amite, Hinds and Yazoo counties. Five cases of EEE in horses have been reported.

The MSDH conducts statewide mosquito testing with its most intensive surveillance during the peak WNV mosquito reproduction months of July, August and September. It is important to remember that mosquito-borne diseases, including WNV, are located throughout the state.  

According to State Health Officer Dr. Ed Thompson, Mississippi consistently has one of the highest rates of West Nile virus in the United States, as do Louisiana, South Dakota and Colorado.  Studies have not yet revealed why WNV rates can be high in one state but not as high in a nearby state.

“Avoiding mosquito bites is the best way to avoid becoming infected with West Nile virus. Mississippians need to be careful and take steps to protect themselves and their families,” he said.

Dr. Thompson encourages all Mississippians to take the following precautions to reduce the risk of contracting WNV and other mosquito-borne illnesses: remove sources of standing water; avoid mosquito-prone areas, especially between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active; wear protective clothing (such as long-sleeved shirts and pants) when in mosquito-prone areas; and apply a DEET-based mosquito repellent according to the 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 a brochure on WNV, 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).