It hasn't been verified in the Meridian-area yet, but the West
Nile virus is all around us. And local health officials say
because of the way it spreads, it could soon be here. The
Meridian Public Works Department sprays nightly for mosquitoes,
they do it throughout the summer months, and have done so for
years. But Public Works Director Monty Jackson says in light of
the West Nile outbreak, those sprayings will likely become more
frequent. Health officials say that spraying can be helpful, but
they say the best way to prevent mosquito-born diseases like
West Nile are best accomplished by getting rid of places where
mosquitoes breed, like standing water. Health officials like Dr.
Melissa Campbell at Rush Hospital; say there's no reason to
panic, even if you have symptoms of the virus. But they say if
those symptoms persist or get worse, you should then visit the
doctor. wtok.com: Extended Web Coverage West Nile virus Facts -
The West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause
encephalitis (an inflamm