Public Health
West Nile Virus

Over 50 species of mosquitoes are found in Mississippi. However, only three or four of those species transmit diseases to humans such as the West Nile Virus (WNV). The WNV is a potentially serious illness that is transmitted to humans by a mosquito bit. Although many mosquitoes bite at dusk or at night, some bite during the day. All mosquitoes will bite if you enter an area where they are resting. While it is not necessary to limit outdoor activity (unless there is evidence of mosquito-borne disease in the area), you can and should reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.

Key Safety Tips
  • Use insect repellents containing DEET when you are outdoors for long periods of time
  • Eliminate outdoor water sources that can breed mosquitoes such as standing water from flower pots, buckets, barrels, and old tires
  • Empty or change water in pet dishes, bird baths, horse troughs, etc. at least once a week
  • Keep roof gutters clean
  • Avoid accumulation of decaying material and garbage in and around your home
  • Repair leaky water pipes and outside faucets
  • Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure


To reduce the risk citizens face from mosquitoes in Rankin County, the Emergency Management Office operates a year-round mosquito control program. The program consists of three fogging trucks that are used to spray primarily Adulticide in residential areas from April through October. In addition, roadside ditches are sprayed year-round to control both the Southern House Mosquito and freshwater species breeding in water. Residents are encouraged to stay indoors when their neighborhood is being fogged.

West Nile Virus Preparedness

Insect Repellent Tips