JACKSON — The Mississippi State Department of Health has confirmed Mississippi's first human case of West Nile Virus this year in Rankin County. West Nile Virus is transmitted primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people (8 out of 10) infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash.
The summer is prime time for mosquitos to feast and potentially spread illnesses like West Nile Virus. While the risk of a healthy person getting WNV from a mosquito bite is very low, we all need to take precautions.
Protect Yourself
- Stay indoors or take personal protective measures, especially between dusk and dawn, which are peak mosquito biting times.
- Use mosquito repellent with DEET. Products with up to 30 percent DEET will provide adequate protection under most conditions. Use DEET concentrations of 10 percent or less on children ages 2-12 years of age. For children less than two years of age, parents should consult their pediatrician.
- Wear long-sleeved, long-legged clothing with socks and shoes when practical.
Protect Your Home
- Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers.
- Remove all discarded tires on the property. Used tires have become the most common mosquito breeding site in the country.
- Close garbage can lids. Be sure water does not collect in the bottom of garbage cans.
- Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.
For more information on mosquito protection and WNV, please visit https://msdh.ms.gov/westnile
The City of Clarksdale and communities in Coahoma County employ people each summer to drive spray trucks around in the community, but there effectiveness has never been scientifically proven.
What does the insecticide spray do?
Adulticide sprays immediately kill flying mosquitoes. Larvicide sprays kill mosquito larvae that hatch from eggs and lasts longer than adulticide sprays. Both products will temporarily reduce mosquito populations in an area, but will not permanently get rid of them.
When does spraying occur?
Spraying takes place in the early evening when mosquitoes are more active. Often, local government agencies or mosquito control districts announce the dates and times of spraying in the local newspaper, on district websites, through public service announcements, by telephone, or through door-to-door notices.
How often do communities spray? After spraying, mosquito control districts or local government departments will track mosquito populations and treat an area again as necessary to reduce the chances of people getting bitten by mosquitoes that can spread viruses.
Is the spray harmful to people, pets, animals, or the environment?
No, when done correctly, truck spraying will not harm people, pets, animals, or the environment.
