It’s that time of year again. An Adams County resident has been diagnosed with the state’s second case of West Nile virus.

Mississippi’s first confirmed case was reported earlier in Hinds County.

Humans contract West Nile virus through bites from infected mosquitoes. It’s a serious illness that strikes a number of local residents each year during the summer, when we spend more time outdoors.

Last year in Mississippi, 43 cases of the illness were confirmed by the Mississippi State Department of Health. Seven of those resulted in fatalities.

Health officials say the majority of cases of the illness in the state are reported in August and September, though the virus can occur any time of the year.

Take precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones, particularly the most vulnerable to the disease — young children and the elderly who may have compromised immune systems.

Protecting yourself means keeping yourself and others away from exposure to mosquitoes.

Experts recommend using a mosquito repellent that contains DEET anytime you go outdoors.

Beware of allowing your children to spend time in areas where they may be near standing water, such as a swimming pool that is no longer being cared for but contains murky water.

Wear or dress your children in light-colored, long clothing that covers arms and legs while outdoors.

And, watch for symptoms of the illness, such as fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle weakness and swollen lymph nodes.

If you or your loved one has spent time outdoors and begin to show these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

A little planning before spending time outdoors can prevent a world of heartache and suffering.