More West Nile Cases Discovered

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – The Mississippi State Department of Health is reporting 29 new human cases of the West Nile virus.

The new cases were reported in Adams (2), Claiborne (1), Harrison (1), Hinds (5), Humphreys (1), Jackson (1), Jefferson Davis (1), Lamar (1), Lauderdale (1), Madison (5), Perry (1), Rankin (6), Sunflower (1), Warren (1), and Yazoo (1) counties, bringing the state total to 169 cases and four deaths.

In 2011, Mississippi had 52 WNV cases and five deaths. The MSDH only reports laboratory-confirmed cases to the public.

MSDH continues to work with cities and counties to boost mosquito control efforts by providing map specific information for spraying efforts.

The agency has developed and printed educational materials that are now being distributed locally through civic groups, churches and volunteer organizations.