First death reported in Mississippi from West Nile Virus in 2024

The Mississippi State Department of Health has confirmed the first death from a human case of West Nile Virus in the state this year. The MSDH does not provide details of the specific age, gender, or location of the death out of respect and privacy for the family, but the patient in this case had several underlying health conditions. A total of 17 human cases of West Nile Virus have been reported in the state so far this year. Lafayette County has no reported cases thus far. A list of county-by-county cases can be found on the MSDH website at Reports 2024 – Mississippi State Department of Health (ms.gov) . West Nile Virus is transmitted primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito and there are steps you can take to reduce your risk: Protect Yourself

• Stay indoors or take personal protective measures, especially between dusk and dawn, which are peak mosquito-biting times.
• Use an EPA-approved mosquito repellent with active ingredients such as DEET or picaridin. Products with up to 30 percent DEET will provide adequate protection under most conditions. Higher concentrations will provide longer-lasting protection. Use DEET concentrations of 10 percent or less on children ages 2-12. For children under 2 years old, parents should consult their pediatrician.
• Wear long-sleeved, long-legged clothing with socks and shoes when practical.

Protect Your Home

• Dispose of outdoor tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers.
• Remove all discarded tires on the property.
• Close garbage can lids. Be sure water does not collect in the bottom of garbage cans.
• Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.

For more information on Mosquito Protection and the WNV visit: msdh.ms.gov/westnile.

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