A third human case of West Nile virus has been reported in Leflore County, according to the Mississippi State Department of Health.
It was one of 17 human cases announced this morning by the department. The cases bring the state total for the year to 186 cases and four deaths.
In 2011, Mississippi had 52 human cases and five deaths.
The other new human cases were reported in Adams (1), Bolivar (1), Desoto (2), Hancock (1), Hinds (3), Lincoln (1), Madison (4), Rankin (1), Sunflower (1), and Yazoo (1) counties.
The department is working with city and county officials to boost mosquito control in their jurisdictions by providing map-specific information for spraying.
The agency has developed and printed educational materials as part of a public awareness campaign.
The peak season in the state for West Nile is July, August and September, but mosquito-borne illnesses can occur any time of year.
The department advises residents to reduce the risk of West Nile by removing sources of standing water, installing or repairing screens on windows and doors. It also recommends wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants in mosquito-prone areas.
It is also recommended that insect repellent sprays containing DEET be used by residents when outdoors from dusk to dawn — the peak time for mosquitoes.
Symptoms of West Nile infection are often mild and may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, a rash, muscle weakness or swollen lymph nodes.
In a small number of cases, infection can result in encephalitis or meningitis, which can lead to paralysis, coma and possibly death.
For more information on West Nile and other mosquito-borne illnesses, visit the department’s website at www.HealthyMS.com/westnile or call the West Nile toll-free hotline from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday at 1-877-WST-NILE (1-877-978-6453).
