Mosquito-borne illnesses in Mississippi include West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis, Chikungunya virus, and Eastern Equine encephalitis. These illnesses affect birds, animals and humans, causing flu-like symptoms in people who are bitten by infected mosquitoes. Occasionally, illness can be severe, leading to meningitis or encephalitis.
Mosquito Protection
Use a recommended mosquito repellent .
Cover arms and legs with long sleeves and long skirts or pants.
Avoid mosquito-prone areas in the mornings and evenings, when mosquitoes are most active.
Remove sources of standing water around your home where mosquitoes can breed, and make sure window screens are in good condition.
More About Staying Protected
Dead Birds: MSDH is no longer requesting that the public report or submit dead birds. Statewide mosquito surveillance has proven to be a more effective predictor of West Nile virus circulating in the community.
WNV Support Group
Persons diagnosed with West Nile virus illnesses are invited to attend meetings of the WNV Support Group. Support Group meetings are sponsored by the Mississippi Methodist Rehabilitation Center .
2020 Statistics
7
Human Cases
(West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases)
6
Counties affected
WNV Deaths by Year
For Health Professionals
Other Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Five main types of viral disease in Mississippi are carried by mosquitoes, including Zika virus .
For More Information
Links referenced
recommended mosquito repellent
http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,957,93,html
standing water
http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,597,93,html
window screens
http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,597,93,html
Mosquito protection for people and homes
http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,597,93,html
Choosing a mosquito repellent
http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,957,93,html
Mosquito control (EPA)
http://www2.epa.gov/mosquitocontrol
Complete protection guide for homeowners
http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,1097,93,html
Mosquito breeding areas – Tip & Toss
http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,1206,93,html
Combata el Mosquito En Su Casa y Su Vecindario
http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,0,93,94,html
More WNV information from the CDC
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm
West Nile Virus: Information and Prevention
http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,518,93,pdf/WestNileVirus.pdf
Mosquito-Borne Viral Diseases brochure
http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,510,93,pdf/MosquitoBorneViralDiseases.pdf
Insect Repellents and DEET Tips
http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,458,93,pdf/InsectRepellentsAndDEET.pdf
Educational Materials
http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,0,93,111,html
Mississippi Methodist Rehabilitation Center
http://www.mmrcrehab.org
Signs & Symptoms – Facts for Clinicians
https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/symptoms/index.html
Mosquito biology and control: The mosquito vectors of West Nile
http://extension.msstate.edu/sites/default/files/publications/publications/p2336.pdf
Identification Guide to Adult Mosquitoes in Mississippi
http://extension.msstate.edu/publications/publications/identification-guide-adult-mosquitoes-mississippi
Setting up a mosquito control program
http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,800,93,pdf/MosquitoControlManual.pdf
More clinical information from the CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html
Zika virus
http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,0,399,html
Read more about these diseases
http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,3951,93,html
State Board of Animal Health
http://www.mbah.state.ms.us