Mississippi reports second West Nile virus case in 2018

Published 4:37 pm Monday, July 23, 2018

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The Mississippi State Department of Health is confirming the state’s second 2018 case of West Nile virus.

The case was reported in Pearl River County. An earlier case was reported in Hinds County.

In 2017, Mississippi reported 63 West Nile cases and two deaths.

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State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers says most infections of the mosquito-borne disease happen from July to December. He urges people to reduce risk of infection by using insect repellent, reducing standing water to prevent mosquito breeding and wearing long clothing to protect arms and legs.

Symptoms of infection may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, a rash, muscle weakness or swollen lymph nodes. Most people recover without long-term problems. In a few cases, infection can result in encephalitis or meningitis, leading to paralysis, coma or even death.