JACKSON, Miss. - The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is confirming two new cases of chikungunya virus in Mississippi residents. The cases occurred in residents who recently returned from the Dominican Republic and Haiti. These cases are in addition to a case reported in a Mississippi resident in June who had also traveled to Haiti. The MSDH suggests the following precautions to protect yourself and your environment from chikungunya and other mosquito borne illness, including West Nile virus: • Use a recommended mosquito repellent that contains DEET while you are outdoors. • Remove all sources of standing water around your home and yard to prevent mosquito breeding. • Wear loose, light-colored, long clothing to cover the arms and legs when outdoors. • Avoid areas where mosquitoes are prevalent. Mosquitoes that carry chikungunya virus are especially active during the day. • Travelers to the Caribbean should prevent mosquito exposures. Please see HealthyMS/chik for more information.
Posted on: Mon, 14 Jul 2014 14:38:31 +0000