More West Nile virus cases identified

ACROSS MISSISSIPPI — The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) reports three additional human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) for 2009, bringing the state’s total to 29 with two deaths. The new cases are in Leflore, Neshoba and Rankin counties. The MSDH reports both confirmed and probable cases to the public.

Since July 2009, WNV cases have been reported in Clay, DeSoto, Forrest (six), Harrison (five), Hinds (four), Lamar, Lee (two), Leflore, Marion, Monroe, Neshoba, Rankin (three) and Washington (two) counties.

Two cases of St. Louis encephalitis have been reported in Forrest County. The Board of Animal Health has reported one case of WNV in a horse.

The MSDH conducts statewide mosquito testing with its most intensive surveillance during the peak WNV mosquito reproduction months of July, August and September. To date, seven mosquito samples have tested positive for WNV — four in Harrison County and one each in Hinds, Jackson and Washington counties.

To sign up for Mississippi Business Daily Updates, click here.