West Nile virus found in 2 Cumberland County mosquitoes

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The Mississippi Department of Health is confirming the first case of West Nile virus for 2015.

The suspected case in Hinds Countywas confirmed by laboratories.

“While WNV can occur any time of the year, we see the bulk of our cases during peak season, which is July through September”.

In previous years, WNV has been reported from all parts of the state.

No human or animal cases of West Nile or eastern equine encephalitis have been detected so far this year and there is no elevated risk level.

Symptoms of West Nile virus include fever, headache, body aches, nausea and sometimes swollen lymph glands or skin rash. A DEET mosquito repellent is recommended for outdoor activities, and removing standing water will help prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

Wear loose, light-colored, long clothing to cover the arms and legs when outdoors.

The district authorized an adult mosquito control application Saturday in the area where the positive samples were collected to reduce the number of mosquitoes and break the virus transmission cycle, district officials said.