West Nile Cases in State Quadrupled Over Previous Year

SunHerald.com: West Nile Cases in State Quadrupled Over Previous Year

West Nile cases in Mississippi have almost quadrupled over last year, according to a report from the state Department of Health.

In its weekly report of cases in the state, the Health Department said in a press release that Mississippi has 200 cases of West Nile Virus reported for 2012. There were 52 reported in 2011.

In addition, five people have died from the virus, matching the 2011 total. The most recent victim was in Madison County.

South Mississippi has had two additional cases confirmed in Hancock County and another in Harrison County.

MDSH said it is working with city and county officials to help them with spraying efforts to reduce the number of mosquitoes, based on the location of cases.

In addition, the Health Department is reaching out to the Mississippi High School Activities Association and its independent schools counterpart to help them by making public service announcements during athletic events.

Peak season for West Nile Virus are the summer months of July, August and September in the state, but the virus can occur year-around.

Symptoms of West Nile include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle weakness or swollen lymph nodes.