The Mississippi State Department of Health has confirmed the first death from a human case of West Nile Virus this year in the state.

MSDH does not provide details of age, gender, or location of the death, but the patient in this case had several underlying health conditions.

There have been 17 human cases of WNV reported in Mississippi so far in 2024. These were reported in Calhoun, Clarke, Copiah, Harrison, Hinds, Jackson, Lincoln, Madison, Pike, and Rankin counties, as well as a positive blood donor in Franklin County.

The virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, and there are steps that can be taken to reduce risks.

 

Protect yourself

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

 

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, visit msdh.ms.gov/westnile.