JACKSON - As state health officials brace for the possibility of another West Nile virus outbreak, they are urging Mississippians to protect themselves from mosquitoes, which transmit the potentially disease.
The state Department of Health on Friday unveiled its "Fight the Bite" public education campaign to reduce the severity of the disease.
State Health Officer Brian Amy said this year's campaign is focused on protecting against mosquito bites and preventing the spread of the insects near the home.
It includes radio and television public service announcements, cooperation with community leaders and a Web site.
"Unfortunately as with many diseases that must run their course, West Nile virus is here to stay in Mississippi," Amy said. "The number of West Nile virus cases will reflect how well people protect themselves and how well communities protect their citizens with effective mosquito control programs."
There have been no human cases reported thus far this year
In 2002, there were 193 human cases of West Nile virus in Mississippi and 12 deaths. Most of those were reported in late July and early August.
The Centers for Disease Control now says there were 284 West Nile deaths last year and more than 4,000 cases nationwide.
The public service announcements, which will run through the West Nile season, urge people to wear insect repellent with DEET and long sleeves and pants. The ads also urge the removal of standing water around the home and the placing of screens on windows and doors.
Health officials are also actively looking for signs of the disease in mosquitoes and birds and are asking that dead birds, which can carry the disease, be reported.
State epidemiologist Sally Slavinski said there have been three confirmed cases in the 350 birds tested so far this year. Those were all in March in Hinds County, she said.
Slavinski said health officials don't know yet what impact the West Nile virus will have the this year.
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