1 new West Nile Virus case confirmed in Mississippi

Abilene Animal Services has been testing mosquitoes in Abilene and the Big Country for West Nile Virus for the past several months after the heavy rains experienced earlier in the year.

Another mosquito pool has tested positive for West Nile Virus in Grayson County. Even with the cooler temperatures we have experienced in the last couple weeks, the potential still exists for individuals to be impacted by the West Nile Virus.

Both men were hospitalized due to the severity of their illness; one case was fatal.

The Elkhart County Health Department has been notified by the Indiana State Department of Health that adult mosquitoes collected September 2 and 9, 2015 have tested positive for the West Nile Virus. To avoid bites, the Health Department suggests wearing protective clothing, spraying insect repellant, and avoiding outdoor activities at dawn and dusk.

The MSDH only reports laboratory-confirmed cases to the public.

In 2014, Mississippi had 43 WNV cases and seven deaths.

Use a recommended mosquito repellent that contains DEET while you are outdoors.

DRESS Cover Up! Wear long sleeve shirts and long trousers and socks while outdoors to prevent mosquito bites.

Symptoms of West Nile Virus include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and skin rashes.

Although summer has ended, health officials continue to encourage Michigan residents to take precautions against mosquitos, and to eliminate sources of standing water where mosquitos may breed.

More information about the virus is available on the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program website.