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JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Three new West Nile virus cases have been confirmed in Mississippi residents.
The state Department of Health says a news release Monday that the new cases are in Calhoun, Hinds and Leflore counties. That brings the state's 2016 total to 11 cases.
Last year, the state had 38 West Nile virus cases and one death.
Deputy State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers says Mississippi is in peak West Nile virus season and he urges residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Symptoms of the infection are often mild and may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash and muscle weakness. In a small number of cases, infection can result in encephalitis or meningitis, which can lead to paralysis, coma and possibly death.
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