Health officials confirmed Friday the first death from a human case of West Nile virus in Mississippi this year.
While the Mississippi State Department of Health did not release the age or identity of the deceased, officials from the state agency disclosed that the individual lived in Washington County.
“MSDH does not provide details of the specific age or gender of the death out of respect for the family,” a news release noted.
This year’s first West Nile death comes a week earlier than in 2024 when officials reported a death on Aug. 15. Last calendar year ended with 59 confirmed cases and eight human deaths.
So far in 2025, 10 cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed by the MSDH.
According to health officials, the virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Residents are encouraged to take the following steps to protect themselves and their homes.
- Stay indoors or take personal protective measures, especially between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes bite most.
- Use an EPA-approved mosquito repellent with DEET. Products with up to 30 percent DEET will provide adequate protection to adults under most conditions. Children between ages 2-12 should not use repellent with more than 10 percent DEET. Children younger than 2 need permission from a pediatrician before using repellent.
- Wear long-sleeved, long-legged clothing with socks and shoes when practical.
- Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or similar water-holding containers from outside your home. Sitting water attracts mosquitoes, so make sure trash bins stay closed. Wading pools and wheelbarrows should stay overturned when not in use.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs.
A full breakdown of West Nile virus cases in Mississippi can be found here.
