Mississippi’s first 2026 case of West Nile Virus found on the Coast.
Mississippi’s first human case of West Nile Virus was reported Wednesday in Hancock County, according to the Mississippi State Department of Health.
“We just ask people to be vigilant. It’s summertime, and people want to be outside,” said Greg Flynn, a public information officer with the state health department. “Make sure around your house that you don’t have any of the breeding grounds for mosquitoes.”
Officials are asking residents to stay indoors between dusk and dawn, use mosquito repellent and wear long-sleeved, long-legged clothing with shoes and socks when possible.
Residents should take precautions against standing water, officials said, including removing discarded tires, closing garbage can lids, turning over wading pools and wheelbarrows and cleaning outdoor swimming pools.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most people infected with West Nile Virus do not develop symptoms. Flynn said residents with underlying health conditions or suppressed immune systems are most susceptible to severe symptoms.
In 2024, Mississippi recorded a total of 59 confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus. Out of these reported infections, health officials confirmed 8 human deaths across the state.
“The summer is prime time for mosquitos to feast and potentially spread illnesses like West Nile virus. While the risk of a healthy person getting WNV from a mosquito bite is very low, we all need to take precautions,” officials said in a news release.
