JACKSON, Miss. — The Mississippi State Department of Health reported the first human case of West Nile Virus this year.
According to the release, the reported cases came out of Hinds County.
“While WNV can occur any time of the year, we see the bulk of our cases during peak season, which is July through September. So this is the time of year to be extremely vigilant when going outdoors,” MSDH State Epidemiologist Dr. Thomas Dobbs.
Symptoms of West Nile Virus include the following:
- Fever
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Rash
- Muscle Weakness
- Swollen Lumph Nodes
- Encephalitis
- Meningitis
- Paralysis
- Coma
- Death
The Health Department recommended that you always use a mosquito repellent that contains DEET while you are outdoors as well as remove all sources of standing water where mosquitoes might breed.
Another piece of advice: always were clothing that will cover your arms and legs when outside.
For more information on mosquito-borne illnesses, click here.
