West Nile Virus Claims Fourth Life Of Year In Mississippi; 100 Cases

November 4, 2008 9:16 a.m. EST

Jackson, MS (AHN) - Mississippi is reporting the fourth death from mosquito-born West Nile virus this year out of 100 cases of the disease.

While not identifying the latest victim by name, state Department of Health officials said the individual was a resident of Panola County. The other three deaths were in Hinds, Forrest and Leflore counties.

Individuals can have West Nile virus before symptoms appear and the symptoms are often mild, health officials say. Symptoms may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, a rash, muscle weakness or swollen lymph nodes.

"Occasionally, illness can be severe, leading to meningitis or encephalitis," the Mississippi Department of Health says in a statement on its website.

Many metro Mississippi areas reportedly spend a great deal of money on such mosquito control devices as spraying insecticide.

However, there are things that can be done to reduce conditions favorable to mosquitoes in the environment. They include not leaving any standing water where mosquitoes can breed and lay eggs in yards and cleaning up anything in or along waterways or in the woods and other public areas that can hold standing water, including old tires and other debris.

Along with humans in Mississippi, animals are also being infected with illnesses carried by mosquitoes. State Board of Animal Health reports two horses have West Nile virus in Rankin and Scott counties, while a horse in Jones County has Eastern Equine Encephalitis.