Page 112 - South Mississippi Living - October, 2025

HEALTHY LIVING
MOSQUITO BORNE ILLNESSES
We love the Gulf Coast and all it has to offer. There’s good food, hospitable people, and miles and miles of beaches.
But with any standing water or wet ecosystems, there are potential hazards. I am not talking about alligators, stingrays, or stepping on seashells—you cannot see this nuisance many times. Mosquitoes are not only annoying, but they also have the potential to cause illness.
In Mississippi, you may encounter mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis, Chikungunya virus, and Eastern Equine encephalitis. These diseases, which affect birds, animals, and humans, can result in severe flu-like symptoms for individuals bitten by infected mosquitoes. In some cases, illness can become severe, potentially leading to life- threatening conditions such as meningitis or encephalitis. This underscores the need for immediate action and precaution.
Though absolutely inundated by mosquitoes on some summer nights, the Gulf Coast occurrences of these conditions aren’t happening often. According to the Mississippi State Department of Health, as of the end of the summer months (August 31), the
state has only had a reported 17 cases of West Nile virus, and two deaths. But one death is too many, so precautions should be observed to prevent bites by infected mosquitoes.
The Department of Health lists several ways to protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses. When outdoors, you should
use mosquito sprays with an EPA-registered active ingredient like DEET. You should avoid areas known to have mosquito infestations, such as marshes and swamps. Outdoor activity should be limited at dusk during the peak of mosquito season, which is late into the spring and fall, primarily through humid summer months and into September.
Screens should be used on windows and doors. Sources of standing water should be moved and regularly cleaned to avoid mosquito breeding. When you are outdoors, long sleeves and pants should be worn to limit mosquito bites. Campers should sleep under mosquito nets. If you get a series of mosquito bites and begin to feel ill beyond typical site itching, please seek the advice of a medical provider.
112 | October 2025
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
story by Dr. Nickie Harris-Ray