JACKSON, Mississippi (AP) — State health officials are reporting two new deaths from the West Nile virus in Mississippi, bringing this year’s total to five.
The deaths occurred in Lee and Coahoma counties. Other deaths have been reported earlier in Forrest, Madison and Yazoo counties.
Reported were 12 new West Nile virus cases, bringing Mississippi’s total this year to 37.
The state also reports a human case of St. Louis Encephalitis in Coahoma County.
Hinds County has reported nine West Nile cases so far this year. Forrest County has six, Rankin County has four and Adams County has three.
Bolivar, Carroll, Coahoma, Clarke, Covington, Harrison, Jones, Lauderdale, Lee, Madison, Monroe, Newton, Yazoo, Washington and Wilkinson counties have had one case each.
In 2013, Mississippi had 45 West Nile virus cases, with five deaths.