HANCOCK COUNTY – Mississippi has reported its first human case of West Nile virus for 2026, according to the Mississippi State Department of Health.
MSDH announced Wednesday afternoon that the case was reported in Hancock County, located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
West Nile virus is transmitted primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Health officials typically encourage residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants when possible, and removing standing water around homes where mosquitoes can breed.
No additional details about the patient were released.
