On May 27, the first West Nile virus case of the year was reported in Lamar County, Mississippi.

Preventing mosquito bites is relatively easy and important to avoid the West Nile virus, said Deputy State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers.

Byers has worked in the department of health for more than 20 years, seeing numerous cases of West Nile virus.

“Eighty percent of those that get infected do not have symptoms. Others might have relatively mild symptoms such as headache, rash, muscle weakness and a few others; nothing severe. Only 1 out of 150 infected people have a severe form of the virus, making it very unlikely,” said Byers.

There is only one type of mosquito that carries the West Nile virus, said Byers, and that is the southern house mosquito.

The virus is unpredictable; with the first case being reported in as early as January in previous years, Byers said.

“While WNV can occur any time of the year, we see the bulk of our cases during peak season, which is July through September. Now that school is out and the weather is warm, it is time to be extremely vigilant when going outdoors,” said Mississippi State Department of Health Epidemiologist Dr. Thomas Dobbs.

Last year, Mississippi had 38 West Nile cases and one death according to the MSDH press release.

Byers said that the most important thing to do is to avoid mosquitos.

They do not breed in big bodies of water like ponds and lakes, instead they breed in small bodies of standing water, like puddles and swampy sections around houses and other public areas, says Byers.

“To avoid these mosquitos, go around your yard and get rid of standing water. Use the proper repellant with DEET in it to make sure you properly protect your skin also. Weather permitting, wear loose and long clothing while outdoors to cover your arms and legs,” said Byers.

Symptoms of the virus are often mild, however in a small number of cases, infection can result in encephalitis or meningitis, which can lead to paralysis, coma and possibly death, according to the MSDH press release.

Severe cases of the West Nile virus are unusual, but should be taken seriously. Those that are at most risk for serious illness are people older than 50, said Byers.

There is no vaccine available, however Byers says there is supportive treatment.

“If diagnosed with symptoms of the West Nile virus, there is no specific treatment. We treat the exact symptoms each patient has, which has worked for many,” said Byers.

Regardless of location, Byers says people should still take the proper precautions to avoid mosquitos.

“Prevention is the big thing. Make sure you look for breeding sites, use appropriate repellant, avoid the time of day they are most active, which is the cooler part of the day, and wear clothes that covers your skin if necessary,” said Byers.

For more information on how to avoid mosquitos and the West Nile virus, visit MSDH’s website at www.healthyms.com.