Seven human cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed this year, but Mississippi State Department of Health officials suggest the actual number is likely higher. September and August are the the peak months for these cases.
Wendy Varnado, the state public health entomologist, says it is critical to surveil and test mosquitoes for the virus because detecting infected insects can provide up to a two-week warning before human cases appear. Only 11 counties in the state routinely trap mosquitoes and send samples to the Health Department for testing.
Varnado says residents can help reduce mosquito populations by removing standing water around their homes.
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