MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2020 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) McDaniel, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Jordan, Moran, Simmons (13th)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION DESIGNATING APRIL 13-19, 2020, AS "MISSISSIPPI MOSQUITO AND WEST NILE VIRUS AWARENESS WEEK."
WHEREAS, warming temperatures combined with late spring rains create ideal conditions for mosquitoes to breed, including the mosquitoes that transmit West Nile Virus. To help spread the message about mosquito prevention, April 13-19, 2020, has been designated as Mosquito and West Nile Virus Awareness Week; and
WHEREAS, West Nile Virus is spread by mosquitoes that get the virus from infected birds. Mosquitoes infected with the virus can transfer it to humans and other animals. Humans infected with the virus may become very ill. The disease usually is most serious in children, people with weakened immune systems, and the elderly; and
WHEREAS, in 2018, Mississippi had 50 human cases of West Nile Virus, with no deaths. In 2017, the state had 63 cases with two deaths. State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers said most cases occur between July and September. Symptoms may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle weakness or swollen lymph nodes; and
WHEREAS, it is in the public interest that all public schools teach prevention of West Nile Virus in the health, science and biology classes, and include insect repellent as part of the school supplies that are in each classroom at the start of the school year, particularly for the elementary grades; and
WHEREAS, managing mosquitoes has been a function of the State Department of Health and West Nile Virus awareness is a related public health issue:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby designate April 13-19, 2020, as "Mississippi Mosquito and West Nile Virus Awareness Week."
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the State Board of Health, the State Board of Education and the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) are encouraged to use this awareness week to disseminate information to schools and families regarding effective mosquito management.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be forwarded to the State Board of Health, the State Board of Education, and UMMC for appropriate dissemination, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.