Active Public Health Outbreaks in Mississippi
As of late 2024 and early 2025, Mississippi is navigating a complex public health landscape. While the state has maintained high vaccination barriers against some threats like measles, it faces significant challenges from vector-borne illnesses, rising respiratory infections, and persistent sexual health crises. The following report synthesizes the latest data from the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), the CDC, and trusted news outlets to provide a comprehensive snapshot of active outbreaks.
Vector-Borne Threat: West Nile Virus (WNV)
West Nile Virus remains a critical endemic threat in Mississippi. The 2024 season was particularly severe, and the virus has already re-emerged for the 2025 season.
2024 Season Totals
- Human Cases: 59 confirmed
- Deaths: 8 reported
- Impact: Widespread circulation in mosquitoes and horses.
2025 Season Status
Active. The first human case of 2025 was confirmed in Rankin County in June. MSDH warns that the virus is actively circulating, urging residents to take mosquito precautions immediately.
Sexual Health Crisis: Syphilis & Congenital Syphilis
Mississippi continues to battle a severe syphilis epidemic. While recent provisional data suggests a "slight improvement" or downturn in overall case numbers for 2024, the rates remain critically high compared to national averages.
The Data
In 2023, the state recorded 132 cases of congenital syphilis (passed from mother to child). In 2024, this number saw a slight reduction to 114 cases.
Despite the dip, Mississippi recently ranked 6th in the nation for congenital syphilis rates, a statistic health officials describe as "unacceptably high."
Contrasting Viewpoints
"We have a 40% fatal disease that's almost entirely cured by a single shot of penicillin... That speaks to a system issue."
— Dr. Thomas Dobbs, UMMC
While national trends show a slowing of some STIs, local experts emphasize that the "slight improvement" in MS is not yet a victory, citing barriers to prenatal care as a primary driver.
Respiratory & Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
| Disease | Current Status (2024-2025) | Key Statistic |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza (Flu) | Activity increasing; numerous outbreaks in long-term care facilities. | 1 Pediatric Death (2024-25 Season) |
| Pertussis (Whooping Cough) | Rising. Cases are increasing due to dipping vaccination rates in toddlers. | 32 cases in early 2025 (vs 49 total previous year) |
| Measles | Controlled. No confirmed cases since 1992/2002. | 97.5% Vaccination Rate (MMR) |
| Tuberculosis (TB) | Improving. Cited as a "public health win" in Jan 2025 report. | Declining rates vs National increase |
Emerging & Foodborne Threats
E. coli (Organic Carrots)
Late 2024A multistate outbreak linked to Grimmway Farms organic carrots affected Mississippi in late 2024.
Outcome: 39 cases and 1 death nationally. The CDC declared the outbreak over in December 2024, but vigilance regarding recalls remains high.
Candida auris
Persistent ThreatFollowing a significant outbreak in early 2023 (19 cases, 2 deaths), this drug-resistant fungus remains a priority.
Current Context: While no new massive cluster has been headlined in early 2025 for MS specifically, national cases have tripled, keeping local facilities on high alert for this "urgent threat."