Today the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) confirmed the state's first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) for the year in Lincoln County. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is the second reported human case in the United States for 2008.

The state's total number of human cases for 2007 was 136 with four resulting in death. Although these numbers are lower than the previous year, it is no indicator for the coming year. The MSDH reports both confirmed and probable cases to the public.

"Although WNV is most prevalent in mid- to late summer it can occur throughout the year because mosquitoes may be active any time of the year in Mississippi," said State Epidemiologist Dr. Mary Currier. "Mississippians should take precautions year round to protect themselves and their family."

Dr. Currier encourages Mississippians to take the following precautions to reduce the risk of contracting WNV and other mosquito-borne illnesses: remove sources of standing water, avoid mosquito-prone areas, especially between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active; wear protective clothing (such as long-sleeved shirts and pants) when in mosquito-prone areas; and apply a mosquito repellent according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Symptoms of WNV infection are often mild and may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, a rash, muscle weakness or swollen lymph nodes. In a small number of cases, infection can result in encephalitis or meningitis, which can lead to paralysis, coma and possibly death.

MSDH continues to encourage Mississippians to take the following simple precautions to reduce their risk of contracting West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses: Remove sources of standing water Avoid mosquito-prone areas, especially between dusk and dawn when mosquito activity is highest Wear protective clothing (such as long-sleeved shirts and pants) when in mosquito-prone areas apply a mosquito repellent according to the manufacturer's instructions To protect your your home: Drain or dump any source of standing water around the home Dispose of containers and debris which can collect or hold water Remove all leaf debris Dispose of used tires Clean rain gutters and swimming pools Change the water in bird baths weekly Use over-the-counter larvaciding products that can be purchased at home improvement stores Eliminate pools of standing, stagnant water, especially with organic debris Repair damaged or torn window and door screens that stay open Regularly clean outdoor pet food and water dishes; remove any not being used Close garbage can lids and be sure water does not collect in the bottom of the cans Check around construction sites to ensure that proper backfilling and grading prevent drainage problems

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Press Contact: Liz Sharlot, Carol Jones or Elizabeth Grey, (601) 576-7667.