Archive for August, 2012

The total West Nile Cases in our state have exceeded 100 now at about 110 reported. Texas is the leader with about 700 cases .Accounting for the differences in population the attack rates are similar in the 2 states.Rankin and Hinds counties constitute the largest number of cases -39 or approximately 37% of the total cases. The recent heavy rains may continue to exacerbate the problem.

Hanta Virus.The news this week pointed to a second fatal case of Hanta Virus infection in a Yosemite visitor. There have been 587 cases of this infection since  1993 with about 1/3 fatal.There is no known treatment.Have a safe Labor Day   Dr. Smith

The Mississippi State Department of Health thru the State Epidemiologist’s office issued an advisory on West Nile Infections in our state as of Aug 3,2012. In 2011 there were 52 cases with 5 deaths for an approximate 10% case fatality rate.We are now in the peak months of activity  as 89% of reported cases occur in July,August and September.65-88% of cases occur after July 31.As of Aug 2, 33 reported cases have occurred in 2012.64% were neuroinvasive.This is the largest number of cases that has occurred in a single year at this time since 2006 when there was a total of 184 cases at the end of the year..

The above information is taken directly from the Advisory sent out on August 3, by the State Epidemiologist Thomas E. Dobbs MD.  Number to call for further information in clude the Office of Epidemiology 601-576-7725 or 1-800-556-0003.You may also call or e mail the Center of Infectious Disease Excellence with any Questions. stock up on your insect repellent.  Dr Smith