JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi health officials are confirming four new cases of West Nile virus, bringing the state’s total to 19 cases this year.
The state Department of Health says in a news release Tuesday that two new cases of the mosquito-borne virus are in Hinds County, one is in Lee County and one is in Marion County.
Six cases, including one death from the virus, have been reported in Hinds County. Copiah and Lamar counties have had two each. Calhoun, Chickasaw, Grenada, Lee, Leflore, Lowndes, Marion, Perry and Rankin counties have each had one.
In 2015, Mississippi had 38 West Nile cases and one death.
The department recommends removing standing water where mosquitoes could breed, avoiding areas with lots of mosquitoes, wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts outdoors and using mosquito repellent.
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