West Nile virus and the mosquitoes that carry and transmit it to humans never go away completely, but most of us aren’t thinking about West Nile in March. Fortunately, the Mississippi State Department of Health is.
Today, MSDH confirmed the first human case of West Nile for 2008. Here are details from the agency’s news release:
(Jackson, MS) Today, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) confirmed the state’s first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) for the year in Lincoln County. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is the second reported human case in the United States for 2008.
The state’s total number of human cases for 2007 was 136 with four resulting in death. Although these numbers are lower than the previous year, it is no indicator for the coming year. The MSDH reports both confirmed and probable cases to the public.
“Although WNV is most prevalent in mid- to late summer it can occur throughout the year because mosquitoes may be active any time of the year in Mississippi,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Mary Currier. “Mississippians should take precautions year round to protect themselves and their family.”
Dr. Currier encourages 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 mosquito repellent according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
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.
