According to the Mississippi State Department of Health, the first human case of West Nile was found in an adult in Hinds County.
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“This is the first direct evidence of West Nile activity in our area this summer”, said Dave Dodgson, program manager, in a press release.
The state Department of Environmental Management said Monday that 121 mosquito samples from 37 traps set statewide during the week of July 7 came back negative for both West Nile and Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
West Nile Virus is a viral infection found in wild birds and carried by certain mosquitoes which feed on infected birds.
The virus is transmitted by mosquito bites and most people who become infected actually have mild or no symptoms.
In 2014, Mississippi had 43 West Nile cases and seven deaths.
No specific treatment or vaccination is available for West Nile virus.
Again, serious neurologic illnesses like encephalitis, brain inflammation, and meningitis are felt to occur in less than 1 percent of infections and can present with confusion, lethargy, severe headache, seizures, and or stiff neck. Individuals can not get West Nile Virus from person-to-person contact.
Pubic health officials remind the public that mosquitoes are most active between at dawn and dusk.
Use a recommended mosquito repellent that contains DEET while you are outdoors.
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Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water (water that does not move/flow).
