Mississippi reports first West Nile Virus death for 2024

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) has confirmed the state’s first death from West Nile Virus (WNV) this year. The department has chosen not to disclose specific details regarding the individual’s age, gender, or location to respect the privacy of the family. However, it was noted that the patient had multiple underlying health conditions.

So far this year, there have been 17 reported human cases of West Nile Virus across the state. A breakdown of these cases by county is available on the MSDH website.

West Nile Virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. The MSDH urges residents to take precautions to reduce their risk:

How to Protect Yourself

• Stay indoors or take protective measures, particularly during dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Use EPA-approved mosquito repellents containing active ingredients like DEET or picaridin.
• Products with up to 30% DEET offer adequate protection under most conditions. For children ages 2-12, use repellents with 10% or less DEET, and consult a pediatrician for children under two years old.
• Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes when possible.

How to Protect Your Home

• Eliminate standing water by disposing of outdoor containers like tin cans, plastic containers, and ceramic pots that can collect water.
• Remove discarded tires from your property.
• Ensure garbage can lids are closed and that water does not collect in the bottom of cans.
• Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
• Maintain swimming pools, saunas, and hot tubs by cleaning and chlorinating them regularly.

For more information on mosquito protection and West Nile Virus, visit the MSDH website.