1st case of West Nile Fever this year reported in Mississippi, USA

The first human infection with West Nile Fever virus in the US this year has been reported in Lamar County, Mississippi. This report, plus the identification of the virus in mosquitoes collected in several states (California, Illinois, Tennesse), indicates the beginning of the season for transmission of this virus.

Advice

The risk for the general traveller will increase over the summer months, but it will be remain low in most areas of the country. Since there is no vaccine or treatment for West Nile fever, travellers to areas where this virus has been found can reduce their risk of exposure by taking all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites.