The Mississippi Department of Health has confirmed the first case of West Nile virus for 2015. The reported case is an adult in Hinds County.

In 2014, Mississippi had 43 West Nile cases and seven deaths. In 2013, Mississippi had 45 West Nile cases and five deaths.

Needless to say, West Nile should be taken seriously. The tragic death of local firefighter Justin Rippy highlights just how deadly the tiny mosquito can be.
MSDH officials say in a news release that people should be careful and take precautions to protect themselves from mosquitoes by using repellent containing DEET, minimize outdoor activity between dusk and dawn and eliminate standing water around residences.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a few more tips.

• When weather permits, wear long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors.

• Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside.

• Support your local community mosquito control programs.

There’s no way to avoid mosquitoes altogether, but taking a common-sense approach to prevention can reduce the number of West Nile virus cases.