JACKSON, Miss. — The Mississippi Department of Health confirmed the state’s first case of chikungunya virus.
According to the department, eight cases were reported in Mississippi last year, and all were cases with international travelers.
Health officials said the chance of getting chikungunya virus is very slim; the main concern for the state is West Nile virus.
However, if a person who had chikungunya failed to stay indoors for ten days and were bit by a mosquito, the virus could be transmitted.
Chikungunya can cause you to feel sick for more than a week with symptoms of fever, muscle and joint pain, and swelling of the joints.
Death is very rare.
The Mississippi Department of Health recommended everyone take the following precautions to protect you and your family from mosquito-borne illness:
•Use a recommended 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. Mosquitoes that carry the chikungunya virus are especially active during the day.
•Travelers to the Caribbean, Central and South America where local transmission has occurred should prevent mosquito exposures.
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