RANKIN COUNTY, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
An evening at the reservoir is the perfect back drop for a family get together. There is plenty of food and fun, but it seems mosquitoes always create a buzz of concern.
"Mosquitoes attack me all the time. I don't know what it is. I don't know if I have a certain smell that they love, but I'm always getting bit," said Tasha Allen.
Allen's family took a number of precautions including a mosquito lamp. Allen says she always carries mosquito repellent.
"Especially since I have a dog and you know mosquitoes, they get animals too, and every time I walk him I make sure that I put mosquito spray on myself,"
Four people have died from West Nile in Mississippi and 159 have been infected, according to the Mississippi State Department Of Health. More than 2,600 nation-wide have West Nile.
Whether you are spending the day out on the water or in the park, mosquitoes are everywhere. Experts are calling this year an epidemic because of the large amount of West Nile cases.
However, not everyone grilling, playing or taking a stroll at the reservoir is concerned about West Nile.
"Whenever we go camping, we normally take bug spray, but when I'm out here at the Rez I don't feel like it's a big deal. The pavilions are far enough away from the water," said Kayla Fuentes.
Experts say you should use mosquito repellent with Deet and a pet friendly spray for your four-legged friends while outdoors.
Copyright 2012 WLBT. All rights reserved.
WLBT 3 - Fox 40
