New Miss. West Nile virus cases reported

October 06, 2008 11:46 pm

— JACKSON (AP) — Mississippi health officials are reporting three new cases of the West Nile virus, bringing the total number of state cases this year to 96.
There have been three deaths blamed on the mosquito-transmitted virus.
The state Department of Health says the new cases are in Jones, Leflore and Lincoln counties. The agency reports both confirmed and probable cases and conducts statewide mosquito testing.
Symptoms of West Nile virus infection are often mild and may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, a rash, muscle weakness or swollen lymph nodes. In a small number of cases, infection can result in encephalitis or meningitis, which can lead to paralysis, coma and possibly death.