The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) announced Tuesday that two new human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) had been found, bringing the state total to nine this year.

The new cases were reported in Jefferson and Jones counties.

So far this year, human cases have been reported in Copiah, Forrest (2), Hinds, Jefferson, Jones, Lamar, Leake and Smith counties. In 2018, Mississippi had 50 WNV cases and no deaths.

Most WNV cases occur from July through September in Mississippi, said MSDH State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers.

“We have not seen a large number of cases of West Nile so far this year, but we’re still in the midst of the usual peak season in Mississippi,” said MSDH State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers. “It is still important to protect yourself. While most infected people recover without any long-term problems, some develop a more severe infection that can lead to complications and even death – especially in those over 50 years of age.”