Jackson, Miss. – The Mississippi State Board of Health met on Wednesday for its quarterly session, using the occasion to spotlight several public‑health successes and upcoming tools that directly benefit Mississippians.

Breast and cervical cancer screening expands access

State Health Officer Dr. Dan Edney opened the meeting by noting that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and highlighted the state’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP). Each year roughly 2,300 women in Mississippi are diagnosed with breast cancer and about 400 lose their lives, making the state’s death rate one of the highest in the nation. Screening rates among older women also lag behind the national average.

“Our program helps eligible uninsured and underinsured Mississippi women access breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services through participating county health departments, community health centers, hospitals, and other contracted providers,” said Amy Gibbons, director of the Mississippi Breast and Cervical Cancer Program and the Comprehensive Cancer Control Program.

Beyond free mammograms, BCCP covers the full diagnostic work‑up when a mammogram is abnormal, including ultrasounds, biopsies and pathology. Patients diagnosed with cancer can also receive expedited enrollment into Medicaid. Dr. Edney emphasized that no woman should go without screening because of coverage gaps, adding that higher utilization is needed.

The department’s annual BCCP screening event is set for Oct. 22. Registration is closed, but women can call 601‑576‑7466 to be connected with a participating provider.

Congenital syphilis cases drop dramatically

State epidemiologist Dr. Renia Dotson reported a dramatic decline in congenital syphilis, the infection passed from mother to baby during pregnancy. Mississippi has recorded seven cases so far in 2026, compared with 80 at the same point in 2025. The improvement follows mandatory testing requirements instituted after a public‑health emergency was declared in 2023. Pregnant women now receive syphilis testing early in pregnancy, again in the third trimester, and once more at delivery.

“From 2017 to now, we’re in a different universe dealing with syphilis,” Dr. Edney said. While the disease is not fully under control, the trend is encouraging. Most remaining cases involve mothers who received little or no prenatal care before delivery.

Infectious disease update: measles, pertussis, West Nile

Mississippi has not diagnosed a single measles case this year, even as cases rise in neighboring states. Pertussis (whooping cough) cases are down 64 % compared with this time last year, with 51 cases reported so far versus 126 in 2025. Nine patients were hospitalized and 20 of the 51 cases involved unvaccinated individuals. The state noted an infant death from pertussis last September.

West Nile virus activity has increased, with 23 human cases reported statewide, up from a single case in July. Madison County leads with eight cases, and 21 of the 23 cases were neuroinvasive.

Flu season is beginning. A minor outbreak in DeSoto County has been resolved, and the department’s risk assessment remains low, though activity is climbing. Dr. Edney urged residents, especially older adults and those with chronic conditions, to receive flu and COVID‑19 vaccines.

New food‑recall lookup tool in development

Srimadhav Nalani, an epidemiologist and bioinformatician with the Mississippi Public Health Laboratory, described a forthcoming web page that will let residents search for food recalls in one place. The idea originated from a conversation at a farmer’s market where a shopper expressed confusion over where to find reliable recall information.

The tool, designed for smartphones, will allow users to search by product, company name, lot number, bacteria or allergen. Clicking a specific recall will show instructions—typically to discard the product and seek a refund. While no launch date is confirmed, the department hopes to have the tool live by the end of the year.

Dr. Edney praised the project as an example of employee initiative, noting it was not a top‑down assignment but a grassroots solution.

Budget request ahead of legislative session

Finally, the board heard a briefing on the department’s budget request for the upcoming legislative session. Mississippi’s Department of Health is seeking level, or flat, state funding for the third consecutive year. The agency’s total budget, including federal and special funds, is about $590 million, with roughly $46 million coming from state dollars to operate programs.

The board’s discussion underscores the department’s commitment to expanding preventive health services, improving infectious‑disease surveillance, and leveraging technology to keep Mississippians safe.

Original reporting: Action News 5 WMC (Gray) — read the source article.