State’s West Nile virus cases hit 140; four deaths

ACROSS MISSISSIPPI — The Mississippi State Department of Health is reporting 26 new human cases of the West Nile virus.

The new cases were reported in Bolivar (1), Calhoun (1), Copiah (2), Forrest (1), Hinds (1), Jackson (2), Jasper (2), Leake (1), Madison (6), Marion (1), Rankin (5), Sunflower (1), Walthall (1) and Yazoo (1) counties, bringing the state total to 140 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 is working 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.