In the heat and summer showers of August, mosquito-borne illnesses become a concern for many who are prone to bites.

West Nile virus has become a mainstay with cases occurring year-round, and this year the Zika virus has become a new worry.

As of Thursday, the Mississippi State Department of Health reported 10 total laboratory confirmed, human cases in of West Nile virus in the state for 2016. Those cases were reported in Hinds, Grenada, Lamar, Lowndes and Rankin counties.

“West Nile virus exists throughout the entire state of Mississippi,” said Liz Sharlot, director of office of communications for the Mississippi State Department off Health. “It’s a misnomer for people to think ‘Well, it’s not my county. I can’t get it.’ West Nile virus at this time of year exists throughout Mississippi and everyone should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.”

The MSDH suggests people use mosquito repellant, remove standing water from around the home and yard, and wear loose, long, light-colored clothing to avoid bites. Even though it is important to avoid being bit, the majority of people don’t show symptoms from a virus infected mosquito.

“Most people will be bitten by a West Nile virus mosquito and never even know it,” she said. “Eighty percent don’t even show symptoms.”

Symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle weakness and swollen lymph nodes. For some people the reaction can be worse.

“There is a small percentage that can have devastating impact from the bite of an infected West Nile virus mosquito, and it can even cause death in some circumstances,” Sharlot said.

She said July through September, especially August and September, are the peak months for the virus even though it can be contracted at any time of year.

“We are in peak West Nile virus season in Mississippi, and all residents should be mindful of protecting themselves, regardless of whether there has been a case reported in your county,” said Dr. Paul Byers, MSDH deputy state epidemiologist.

The state department of health reported 38 cases at the end of 2015 with one resulting in death.

As for Zika, the Mississippi State Department of Health has reported 16 travel-related cases in the state. Mosquitos are not spreading the virus in Mississippi.

“We do not have the mosquito that is currently transmitting the Zika virus,” Sharlot said. “We haven’t seen that mosquito here in Mississippi since the late 80s, very early 90s. We continue to do surveillance and have yet to identify any.”

The Zika virus is mostly a threat to women who are pregnant or are planning on becoming pregnant and travel to Zika infected areas like Central and South America. She said women of childbearing age should not visit those areas.

“It can cause a devastating birth defect called microcephaly,” said Sharlot, which is when a baby is born with an abnormally small head.

Anyone who does visit those areas is asked to take precautions while there and after returning home from that area including avoiding mosquito bites for three weeks and not having unprotected sex with anyone for two to six months.

“When you come home, we ask that you do everything you can to avoid getting mosquito bites for three weeks,” she said. “It can be asymptomatic so it’s important to remember if you’re a man and you’ve traveled to a Zika affected area and your wife, girlfriend, partner is pregnant then you should use condoms during the entire pregnancy or abstain from sex during the entire pregnancy.”

Although it is mostly asymptomatic, Zika symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis.