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[The following is a press release from the Mississippi State Department of Health.]
JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) today reported its first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) infection in 2019. The reported case is in Smith County.
By 2018, Mississippi had 50 cases of WNV and no deaths. The first case was reported in mid-July.
"This first case of 2019 recalls that every year we have WNV cases in Mississippi and that all Mississippians must act now to reduce their risk of infection, regardless of where they live in the state. . As most cases occur from July to September, it was to be expected, "said Dr. Paul Byers, state epidemiologist at MSDH. "While most people who are infected get relief in the long run, some people develop a more serious infection that can lead to complications and even death – especially in people over 50."
The symptoms of WNV infection are often mild and may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle weakness or swollen lymph nodes. In a small number of cases, the infection can lead to encephalitis or meningitis, which can lead to paralysis, coma and possibly death.
MSDH suggests the following precautions to protect you and your family from mosquito-borne diseases:
• Use an insect repellent containing an ingredient registered with the EPA, such as DEET, when you are outdoors.
• Remove all sources of stagnant water around your home and garden to prevent mosquito breeding.
• Wear loose, long clothes to cover your arms and legs when you are outside.
• Avoid areas where mosquitoes are spread.
For more information on mosquito-borne diseases or to find out the current number of WNV cases and locations, visit the MSDH website at: HealthyMS.com/westnile.
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