SOUTHAVEN, Miss. — The Mississippi Department of Health now confirms the state has three cases of Zika, although none are in northwest Mississippi.
But some are worried it’s only a matter of time before the mosquito-borne virus spreads.
Despite all the news coverage of Zika, WREG found plenty of people in Southaven who had never heard of it.
“I haven’t heard about it. I haven’t heard about it,” said Anton Thomas.
“I have heard about mosquitoes carrying around diseases, but not the one that you just named,” said Azure Johnson.
While not fatal, Zika can cause a fever, rash or even joint pain.
It’s especially dangerous for pregnant woman because it can cause birth defects.
Memphis Doctor J. O. Patterson said he saw one case that he’s testing for Zika – a woman who had recently traveled to Mexico.
“Apparently, bitten by a mosquito. She didn’t realize at the time, but she came back and she was sick for a week,” said Patterson.
Of the two types of mosquitoes that carry Zika, one is present in Mississippi.
Experts recommend that you avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
