Human Cases of West Nile Found — Mosquitos Expected to Increase With Rain

JACKSON – Two human cases of mosquito-borne West Nile have been reported by Mississippi health officials, one each in Rankin and Pike counties.

Health officials said Thursday the virus has also been identified in two birds, one each in Covington and Greene counties; and four horses, one each in Noxubee, Rankin, Simpson and Tishomingo counties.

Dr. Mills McNeill, state epidemiologist, said Mississippi residents should continue to protect themselves from mosquitos.

Robert Nelson, who serves as the primary mosquito trapper in DeSoto County, said the county has been spared large infestations of mosquitoes so far this year.

Nelson works with DeSoto County government to help control mosquitoes in unincorporated areas. Municipalities have their own control programs.

“As our rains increase, we expect the numbers of mosquitoes to go up, but we’re using two types of pesticides and larvaecides trying to stay on top of them,” he said.

Nelson said a 5-week drought period from late May through early July undoubtedly helped control the blood-sucking insects.

“I’ve only had two complaints this month and we’re spraying in both of those areas,” he said. “I expect our complaints to increase if we have more rains.”

He said homeowners can help reduce mosquito-breeding areas by “tipping and tossing” – “That’s tipping over any vessel or utensil that contains water and tossing out any standing water found,” he said.

Mosquitoes don’t need a lot of water for breeding purposes. “Larvae have been found in a twist-off cap for a soft drink bottle,” Nelson said.

Sprays are only effective for the mosquitoes that fly through the fog, he said. “Sprays have very little, if any, residual effect.”

But he said residents can take several precautions to avoid mosquitoes:

Wear light colored or white clothing rather than dark clothing.

Avoid being out at dawn or in early evening.

Use insect repellents.

Eliminate mosquito-breeding areas around homes.

Stay out of wooded areas, particularly at dawn or in early evening.

“About the best way to avoid the mosquitoes would be to go outside and hold your breath,” he joked. “Mosquitoes are naturally drawn to carbon dioxide. If you can hold your breath, you wouldn’t be exhaling and attracting them.”

Nelson said he hopes DeSoto County will avoid any incidence of West Nile virus this summer.

“If we have a positive test from a dead bird or from someone becoming infected, naturally our trapping will pick up considerably. Hopefully, though, we can continue to control the mosquitoes and have a safe summer.”

In 2004, the first human case of West Nile was not reported until June, and cases hit their high mark in September.

The state has seen the incidence of the virus drop each year, but it will likely never go away.

West Nile peaked in Mississippi with 193 human cases and 12 deaths in 2002. Since then, the state has seen big drops each year in the number of human cases. In 2004, there were 52 human cases and four deaths. In 2003, there were 83 human cases and two deaths.

This year, the Centers for Disease Control has expanded its recommendations on mosquito repellents to include more than DEET. Picaridin has proven as effective as DEET, and oil of lemon eucalyptus is comparable to low concentrations of the repellent. Other plant-based repellents typically work only for short periods of time if at all.

Health officials said that while four out of five people infected with West Nile will have no symptoms, the virus has to be taken seriously, especially by people over 50 who are at greater risk for developing severe cases of the disease.

Symptoms are often flu-like and include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle weakness and swollen lymph nodes. In severe cases, it can progress to a brain inflammation causing paralysis, coma and possibly death.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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“I’ve only had two complaints this month and we’re spraying in both of those areas. I expect our complaints to increase if we have more rains.”

Robert Nelson

DeSoto’s primary mosquito trapper

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