Human cases of the West Nile Virus have been reported in Lauderdale and Clarke Counties.

The Mississippi State Department of Health reported Monday five new human cases of WNV, with the others reported in Hinds, Monroe and Yazoo counties.

The Department of Health has reported 41 cases this year from Bolivar, Clarke, Clay, Covington, Forrest (4), Hinds (8), Humphreys (2), Jones, Lauderdale, Leake, Leflore, Lincoln (2), Lowndes, Madison (4), Monroe, Noxubee, Perry, Rankin (6), Scott, Wilkinson, and Yazoo counties. Two deaths have been reported in Forrest and Humphreys counties.

In 2016, Mississippi had 43 WNV cases and two deaths, according to the Department of Health. The peak season in Mississippi runs from July through September, although cases can occur at any time of the year, according to the Department of Health.

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

The Department of Health advises residents throughout Mississippi to take the following precautions:

• Use a mosquito repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient such as DEET while you are outdoors.

• Remove all sources of standing water around your home and yard to prevent mosquito breeding.

• Wear loose, light-colored, long clothing to cover the arms and legs when outdoors.

• Avoid areas where mosquitoes are prevalent.

For more information, visit the MSDH website at HealthyMS.com/westnile.