top of page

Pathogens & Diseases

Mississippi State Department of Health provides disease surveillance, control and prevention programs to protect Mississippians from disease outbreaks. 

West Nile Virus and Other Insect-Borne Illnesses
Mississippi State Department of Health

Image by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Mosquito-borne illnesses in Mississippi include West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis, Chikungunya virus, and Eastern Equine encephalitis. These illnesses affect birds, animals and humans, causing flu-like symptoms in people who are bitten by infected mosquitoes. Occasionally, illness can be severe, leading to meningitis or encephalitis.

The Entomology and Vector Control Program is responsible for the prevention and management of insect-transmitted diseases in the State of Mississippi. Entomologists survey and analyze the insect population of the state and direct efforts to control disease-carrying insects and related species.

bottom of page