The seven human cases occurred in: Covington (1), Harrison (1), Lincoln (1), Leflore (1), Rankin (2) and Simpson (1) counties; these numbers include the five suspected cases reported last week by the Mississippi State Department of Health. Of the seven confirmed human cases, two resulted in death - one in Rankin County and one in Lincoln County - according to State Epidemiologist Dr. Mills McNeill.
Dr. McNeill said that health officials are still awaiting final test results from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Laboratory in Fort Collins, Colorado, on three new suspected human cases of West Nile virus. The three new suspected human cases are from Hinds, Holmes and Washington counties. This time last year, Mississippi reported 29 human cases of West Nile virus and one death.
“Our improved statewide surveillance system for West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne viruses has helped us successfully detect these cases,” he said. “Strong working relationships with local physicians and hospitals throughout the state demonstrate an active and successful surveillance system in Mississippi. We know how West Nile is spread, and with the expertise of those who help us track the virus activity, we can locate where it is present in the state.”