Mississippi State Department of Health

West Nile Virus and Other Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

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Mosquito-borne illnesses in Mississippi include West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis, Chikungunya virus, and Eastern Equine encephalitis. These illnesses affect birds, animals and humans, causing flu-like symptoms in people who are bitten by infected mosquitoes. Occasionally, illness can be severe, leading to meningitis or encephalitis.

Personal Protection

  • Use a recommended mosquito repellent.
  • Cover arms and legs with long sleeves and long skirts or pants.
  • Avoid mosquito-prone areas in the mornings and evenings, when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Remove sources of standing water around your home where mosquitoes can breed, and make sure window screens are in good condition.

Information and Fact Sheets

2023 Case Data

WNV Support Group

Persons diagnosed with West Nile virus illnesses are invited to attend meetings of the WNV Support Group. Support Group meetings are sponsored by the Mississippi Methodist Rehabilitation Center.

For Health Professionals

Other Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Several common viral diseases in Mississippi are carried by mosquitoes, including Eastern Equine encephalitis and St. Louis encephalitis.

For More Information



Links referenced on this page
recommended mosquito repellent    http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,957,93,html ok
standing water    http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,597,93,html ok
window screens    http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,597,93,html ok
Mosquito protection for people and homes    http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,597,93,html ok
Complete protection guide for homeowners    http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,1097,93,html ok
Mosquito breeding areas – Tip & Toss    http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,1206,93,html ok
Mosquito control (EPA)    https://www.epa.gov/mosquitocontrol
Combata el Mosquito En Su Casa y Su Vecindario    http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,0,93,94,html ok
More WNV information from the CDC    https://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm
2023 Case Data    http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,0,93,1040,html ok
West Nile Virus: Information and Prevention    http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,518,93,pdf/WestNileVirus.pdf
Mosquito-Borne Viral Diseases brochure    http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,510,93,pdf/MosquitoBorneViralDiseases.pdf
Insect Repellents and DEET Tips    http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,458,93,pdf/InsectRepellentsAndDEET.pdf
Educational Materials    http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,0,93,111,html ok
More brochures and information    http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,0,93,92,html ok
Mississippi Methodist Rehabilitation Center    http://www.mmrcrehab.org
More about the WNV Support Group    https://www.methodistonline.org/community-benefits/support-groups
Signs & Symptoms – Facts for Clinicians    https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/symptoms/index.html
Mosquito biology and control: The mosquito vectors of West Nile    http://extension.msstate.edu/sites/default/files/publications/publications/p2336.pdf
Identification Guide to Adult Mosquitoes in Mississippi    http://extension.msstate.edu/publications/publications/identification-guide-adult-mosquitoes-mississippi
Setting up a mosquito control program    http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,800,93,pdf/MosquitoControlManual.pdf
More clinical information from the CDC    https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html
Read more about these diseases    http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,3951,93,html ok
State Board of Animal Health    http://www.mbah.state.ms.us

Resources referenced
West Nile Virus: Information and Prevention    https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,518,93,pdf/WestNileVirus.pdf ok
Mosquito-Borne Viral Diseases brochure    https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,510,93,pdf/MosquitoBorneViralDiseases.pdf ok
Insect Repellents and DEET Tips    https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,458,93,pdf/InsectRepellentsAndDEET.pdf ok
Setting up a mosquito control program    https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,800,93,pdf/MosquitoControlManual.pdf ok

Find this page at http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/index.cfm

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