MSDH reports 5 cases of West Nile in 2019
JACKSON — Today the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) reports two new human case of West Nile virus for 2019, bringing the state total to five this year. The new cases were reported in Forrest and Lamar counties. Three previous cases were reported in Smith, Hinds and Copiah counties in July.
In 2018, Mississippi had 50 WNV cases and no deaths. The first case was reported in mid-July.
Symptoms of WNV infection are often mild and may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, a rash, muscle weakness or swollen lymph nodes.
In a small number of cases, infection can result in encephalitis or meningitis, which can lead to paralysis, coma and possibly death.
The MSDH suggests the following precautions to protect yourself and your family from mosquito-borne illnesses:
• Use a mosquito repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient such as 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.
For more information on mosquito-borne illnesses, visit the MSDH website at HealthyMS.com/westnile.
MCM-Meridian announces donor art installation
MERIDIAN – The Mississippi Children’s Museum-Meridian is proud to announce that a permanent donor art installation will be constructed in a prominent location outside of the upcoming 20,000+ square foot museum.
Supporters of the museum can make a lasting impact by purchasing an artisan-designed, acrylic donor airplane in your name or in memory or honor of a loved one that will be mounted to create an engaging art installation.
Designed by Hattiesburg artist and owner of Mohawk Steel & Glass (www.mohawksteelco.com), Jeremy Thomley, the fabricated acrylic airplanes will be approximately one foot long and will hold up to 30 characters to display a loved one’s name.
Each donor airplane is $250.00 and can be purchased online. For information on how to purchase this one-of-a-kind donor airplane, please visit: https://mschildrensmuseum.org/mcm-meridian-donor-plane/.
USDA to survey county small grains acreage
JACKSON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will survey producers in 32 states, including Mississippi, for its County Agricultural Production Survey small grains survey.
The survey will collect information on total acres planted and harvested, and total yield and production of small grains crops down to the county level.
CAPS will provide the data needed to estimate acreage and production of selected crops in the United States.
Within the next few weeks NASDA representatives will contact selected Mississippi growers to arrange telephone or in-person interviews to collect the survey. NASS safeguards the privacy of all respondents and publishes only aggregate data, ensuring that no individual operation or producer can be identified.
Survey results will be published on the NASS Quick Stats database at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12. For more information on NASS surveys and reports, call the USDA - NASS Delta Regional Office at: 1-800-327-2970.
