JACKSON — The Mississippi State Department of Health is reporting the first human case of West Nile virus for 2013.
The case was reported in Madison County. The MSDH only reports laboratory-confirmed cases to the public.
In 2012, Mississippi had 247 WNV cases and five deaths.
MSDH Deputy State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers says in a news release that it is not unusual to have a West Nile case this early in the year. He says it shows the West Nile virus can show up at any time just not in the peak months of July, August and September.
Health officials say Mississippians should take precautions to protect themselves from mosquitoes.
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