Published: July 07, 2008 10:45 pm      

One new case of West Nile virus reported in Miss.

Staff and wire



State health officials reported one new human case of West Nile virus Monday in Mississippi, bringing the total to eight so far this year.

The Mississippi State Department of Heath says the new case is in Jones County.

Since March, West Nile cases have been reported in Hinds, Lincoln, Jones, Forrest and Madison counties.

Three cases have been reported in Jones County and two in Madison County; the other counties on the list have one each.

Symptoms may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, a rash, muscle weakness or swollen lymph nodes.

West Nile infection can cause encephalitis or meningitis in a small number of people. Those illnesses can lead to paralysis, coma and possibly death. The health department offers several tips on how people should protect themselves from West Nile and other mosquito-bourne disease on its Web site www.healthyms.com/westnile.

That site also can be checked for regular West Nile updates.

Advice on how to avoid being bitten includes:

• Avoid places and times when mosquitoes bite. Evenings and mornings have the most mosquito activity.

• Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are most active.

• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure.

• Use an insect repellent such as DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), or other recommended ingredients.

• Reduce the amount of standing water available for mosquito breeding in or near your property by: repairing failed septic systems; keep grass cut short and shrubbery trimmed; dispose of old tires, cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or other unused containers that can hold water; change water at least once per week in bird baths, wading pools and other water containers on your property; cover trash containers to keep out rainwater; clean clogged roof gutters, particularly if leaves tend to plug up the drains; repair leaky water pipes and outside faucets; aerate ornamental pools or stock them with predatory fish; clean and chlorinate swimming pools even if they are not being used; and keep drains, ditches, and culverts free of grass clippings, weeds, and trash so water will drain properly.