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Published: Sep 19, 2008 - 03:26:40 pm CDT
Human West Nile case reported in Calhoun n Horse was previously diagnosed. From staff reports JACKSON - A third human case of West Nile Virus has turned up in Northeast Mississippi. A Calhoun County resident was among six new cases of the mosquito-borne virus reported by the state Department of Health on Monday. In all, the state has had 84 human cases of the mosquito-borne virus, including two deaths this year. Two Northeast Mississippi cases were reported in Monroe County this summer. The state health department confirmed West Nile in a Calhoun County horse last week. People can reduce their risk by wearing DEET-based repellents and draining standing water. Symptoms of West Nile virus are often mild and may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, a rash, muscle weakness and swollen lymph nodes. In a small number of cases, infection can result in encephalitis or menegitis, which can lead to paralysis, coma and possibly death. For more information, visit www.HealthyMS.com/westnile or call the health department’s hotline (877) 978-6453.
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