State confirms 2 new West Nile virus cases
Published 2:00 pm Tuesday, June 21, 2016
- Two new cases of West Nile virus reported in Mississippi
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi’s health department has confirmed two more cases of West Nile virus, bringing this year’s total to three.
The Mississippi State Department of Health reported Monday that the new cases were in Hinds and Grenada counties. The first case was reported last month in Lamar County. In 2015, Mississippi had 38 cases and one death.
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State Epidemiologist Dr. Thomas Dobbs says the new cases serve as a reminder to residents to continue to take precautions against mosquito bites by using repellent that contains DEET and removing standing water around homes or in yards.
Symptoms of infection are often mild and may include fever, headache and nausea. In rare instances, infection can result in encephalitis or meningitis, which can lead to paralysis, coma and possibly death.
