The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) has confirmed the state’s first death from a human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in 2025. The death happened in Washington County.
MSDH officials are not releasing the age or gender of the victim in order to protect the family’s privacy.
So far this year, there have been 10 human cases of West Nile Virus reported across Mississippi. A full county-by-county breakdown is available at msdh.ms.gov/wnvcases.
West Nile Virus is most commonly spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. MSDH urges residents to take precautions, especially during peak mosquito hours between dusk and dawn.
How to Protect Yourself:
-
Stay indoors or use protective measures during peak mosquito activity.
-
Apply mosquito repellent with DEET (up to 30% for adults; 10% or less for children ages 2–12; consult a pediatrician for children under 2).
-
Wear long sleeves, long pants, socks, and shoes when practical.
How to Protect Your Home:
-
Remove or empty any containers that can hold standing water, such as cans, buckets, or plant pots.
-
Dispose of old tires and keep garbage can lids closed.
-
Turn over kiddie pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
-
Clean and maintain swimming pools, hot tubs, and outdoor saunas.
For more information on mosquito prevention and West Nile Virus, visit msdh.ms.gov/wnv.
