DESOTO COUNTY, MS (abc24.com) - The threat of West Nile virus is looming large over Mississippi. The state has reported 104 cases this year and only 52 last year.
While most are confined to the southern part of the state, DeSoto County is not taking any chances. It's avoided the virus, but that doesn't mean residents are any less concerned.
"We have a swing out in our yard and mosquitoes eat at our feet," says Margaret Morrison. "We're always using bug spray."
"I just like to be in the house, try to stay inside mostly," says Grover Beaugard.
Many cities are spraying on a regular basis. "I've seen them come by and spray," Morrison says. She lives in Horn Lake where the city sprays as needed, so does Olive Branch.
Southaven sends its trucks out Monday through Thursday "when the heat is still there and mosquitoes are still a problem," says Whitney Choat-Cook, Southaven's planning director.
"The only time we won't is if the wind is over 10 miles per hour because the spray is not going to land."
Hernando's trucks run every weekday.
"It's something we've been doing every year," public works director Gary McElhannon tells abc24.com. He says it's always a priority. "Shelby County's had three (cases of the West Nile virus). It's close so it is important."
McElhannon thinks the weather has worked in the county's favor. "Mosquitoes breed in standing water. It's been pretty dry so we haven't had a lot of stagnant water. That's been a good thing. We haven't had many mosquitoes here."
The cities plan to spray at least through the end of September or until the weather cools.
