Miss. reports 14 more cases of West Nile virus

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The Mississippi Department of Health is reporting 14 new cases of West Nile virus. The cases are in Adams, Calhoun, Clarke, Hinds, Jones, Lamar, Lauderdale, Madison, Marion and Rankin counties. So far this year, the state has reported 33 cases, as well as one death of a Smith County resident. In 2011, Mississippi had 52 cases and five deaths from West Nile virus. Health officials say residents should take precautions like removing sources of standing water where mosquitoes breed and to wear long pants and sleeves in mosquito-prone areas during peak times from dusk until dawn. Mosquito repellent is also recommended.