First death from West Nile Virus in 2025 reported in Mississippi

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - The first death from West Nile Virus in 2025 has been reported in Mississippi.

This was confirmed by the Mississippi State Department of Health on Friday.

MSDH said the death occurred in Washington County, Mississippi.

There have been 10 human cases of West Nile Virus reported in the state so far this year, including three in Copiah County and one in Hinds, Madison, and Rankin Counties.

West Nile Virus is transmitted primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito.

You can take steps to reduce your risk of mosquito exposure:

• Stay indoors or take personal protective measures, especially between dusk and dawn, which are peak mosquito biting times.
• Use mosquito repellent with DEET. Products with up to 30 percent DEET will provide adequate protection under most conditions. Use DEET concentrations of 10 percent or less on children aged 2-12 years of age. For children less than 2 years of age, parents should consult their pediatrician.
• Wear long-sleeved, long-legged clothing with socks and shoes when practical.

Want more WLBT news in your inbox? Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Please click here to report it and include the headline of the story in your email.