3 new West Nile virus cases confirmed in Mississippi

JACKSON, Miss. – State health officials have confirmed three new human cases of West Nile virus.

The Mississippi State Department of Health said Monday those additions bring the total for 2015 to 25.

Two new cases were reported in Hinds County and one was in Washington County.

So far this year, cases have been reported in Adams, Attala, Covington, Forrest (2), Hinds (6), Madison (4), Montgomery, Rankin (5), Simpson (2), Washington, and Yazoo counties. One death was reported in Attala County.

Last year, Mississippi had 43 cases and seven deaths.

Symptoms of West Nile infection are often mild and may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, a rash, muscle weakness or swollen lymph nodes. In rare cases, infection can result in encephalitis or meningitis, which can lead to paralysis, coma and possibly death.