Surveillance activities include but are not limited to the following:

• HUMAN TESTING
  • The MDH has purchased the lab equipment necessary to perform human arbovirus testing at the State Health Laboratory.
  • All human samples will be tested for West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis, eastern equine encephalitis, and LaCrosse encephalitis free of charge. Serum is the specimen of choice, but cerebral spinal fluid can be tested as well.
  • Two of our medical laboratory technicians were sent to the arboviral division of the CDC in Ft. Collins to receive expert training for the proper use of the equipment.
  • A new medical lab technician is being hired to accommodate the expected increased work load.
  • All clinicians within the state have been encouraged to send samples from suspect encephalitis, meningoencephalitis, or meningitis cases to the MDH to help obtain an appropriate diagnosis.
• MOSQUITO SURVEYS
  • To determine the geographic distribution and population density of all mosquitos found in MS, with particular emphasis on those species known to be vectors for WNV and other arboviruses.
  • Mosquitoes are being collected throughout the state by the State Entomologist, Vector Disease Control Inc, (Greenville based), and Cleveland Mosquito Control, and Keesler Air Force Base. All information will be collected and assessed for use in surveillance strategies of the future.
• MOSQUITO POOL TESTING
  • routine collection of mosquitos for the purpose of testing for WNV and other arboviruses.
  • Mosquitos will be sent to the South Carolina Department of Environmental Conservation for testing.
  • Mosquitoes are being collected every other week by Vector Disease Control from May until October.
  • Collection are being conducted in the following counties; Bolivar, Harrison,Washington, Coahoma, Leflore, Pearl River, Stone, Jackson, and George. They began on May 20, 2000.
• DEAD BIRD SURVIELLANCE
  • Certain bird species are highly susceptible to WNV, especially crows. Thus, dead birds have been employed as a surveillance tool for WNV.
  • As of December 24th, 1999, the MDH, in collaboration with the MS Board of Animal Health and the MS USDA division of APHIS has put in place a WNV Dead Bird Surveillance System.
  • Field personnel with the named agencies have been provided with equipment and instructions regarding the collection of dead birds observed or reported.
  • All collected birds are shipped to the USGS NationalWildlife Health Center in Wisconsin for WNV testing. Crows and Blackbirds are top priority, but all species will be collected.
  • All personnel with local MDH offices, the Department of Wildlife Management and Parks, the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine, Military Bases, and Wildlife Rehabilitators, have been notified and asked to contact one of the participating agencies should a large bird die-off occur.