House Concurrent Resolution 46

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION DESIGNATING APRIL 11-17, 2022, AS "THE PHILLIP CAMERON HENDRY MISSISSIPPI MOSQUITO AND WEST NILE VIRUS AWARENESS WEEK" TO PROMOTE AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF EFFECTIVELY MANAGING MOSQUITOES AND THE PREVENTION OF WEST NILE VIRUS.

WHEREAS, warming temperatures combined with late spring rains create ideal conditions for mosquitoes to breed, including the mosquitoes that transmit West Nile Virus; and

WHEREAS, mosquitoes infected with West Nile Virus, which is caught by them from infected birds, can transfer it to humans and other animals, and humans infected with the virus, particularly children, people with weakened immune systems, and the elderly, may become seriously ill; and

WHEREAS, in 2019, Mississippi had 15 human cases of West Nile Virus, with no deaths; in 2018, the state had 50 cases with no deaths; and in 2017, the state had 63 cases with two deaths; and

WHEREAS, most cases reportedly occur between July and September, and infected persons may experience symptoms including 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, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and acknowledge matters of significance such as managing mosquitoes, which has been a function of the State Department of Health, and West Nile Virus awareness, which is a related public health issue:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby designate April 11-17, 2022, as "The Phillip Cameron Hendry Mississippi Mosquito and West Nile Virus Awareness Week" to promote awareness of the importance of effectively managing mosquitoes and the prevention of West Nile Virus and encourage the State Board of Health, the State Board of Education and the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) to use this awareness week to disseminate information to schools and families regarding effective mosquito management.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the State Board of Health, State Board of Education, UMMC and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.