Taking the bite out of mosquitoes

Published 9:15 pm Tuesday, June 28, 2016

The July 4th weekend is nearing and that means more people will spending time outdoors, sharing the holiday with family and friends and the mosquito.

If you are one of the unfortunate ones targeted by these blood-sucking pests, then you might want to take precautions this summer to protect yourself from Mississippi mosquito-borne illnesses that include West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis, Chikungunya virus, and Eastern Equine encephalitis. 

The Mississippi State Department of Health reported that two new human cases of West Nile have been confirmed in Hinds and Grenada counties by MSDH’s Public Health Laboratory, bringing the state’s total to three for the year. One case was previously reported in Lamar County. Cases of WNV infection are typically at their peak from July through September, but can occur at any time of the year, according to the report.

Symptoms of West Nile virus are usually mild, and include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, a rash, muscle weakness or swollen lymph nodes. While most people who are infected have no symptoms at all, some cases can result in encephalitis or meningitis, leading to paralysis, coma and possibly death. Last year there were 38 confirmed cases of West Nile virus and one death.

The MSDH recently reported its third case of Zika virus. The case was an Oktibbeha County resident who recently traveled to Haiti. Two cases had previously been reported in Madison and Noxubee counties. Both involved people who had traveled to Haiti.

In Lauderdale County, Joe Norwood, president of the board of supervisors, said the county is proactive in controlling the mosquito problem. 

“Years ago, we got away from using the spray trucks to control the mosquitoes in the county,” Norwood said. “We were convinced spraying was only good for psychological reasons. We now use pellets to treat standing water which in turn kills the larvae in places like Q.V. Sykes Park and other low lying areas around the county.”

The MSDH offers tips to protect against West Nile and other mosquito-borne illnesses:

• Use an EPA-registered mosquito repellent that contains DEET while you are outdoors.

• Remove all sources of standing water around your home and yard to prevent mosquito breeding.

• Wear loose, light-colored, long clothing to cover the arms and legs when outdoors.

• Avoid areas where mosquitoes are prevalent.