Local West Nile virus case reported

Published 11:32 pm Monday, August 6, 2018

JACKSON (AP) — The Mississippi State Department of Health is confirming six more cases of West Nile virus, bringing the state’s 2018 total to 13 so far.

Two new cases were reported in Hinds County. Reporting single cases were Adams, Forrest, Marion and Oktibbeha counties.

Seven previous cases were reported in Copiah, Hinds, Itawamba and Pearl River counties.

Email newsletter signup

Mississippi reported 63 West Nile cases and two deaths in 2017.

West Nile virus cases happen from July to December. They urge people to reduce infection risk by using insect repellent, reducing standing water to prevent mosquito breeding and wearing long clothing.

Infections may result in fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, a rash, muscle weakness or swollen lymph nodes. Most people recover, but a few infections lead to serious illness and death.