The Mississippi State Department of Health has reported the first human case of West Nile Virus for 2013 in Lincoln County.

     It is the seventh confirmed case in the state this year. One death has been attributed to the disease in Montgomery County.

     So far this year, cases have been reported in Forrest (2), Lincoln, Lowndes, Madison, Montgomery and Wayne counties. 

     The MSDH only reports laboratory-confirmed cases to the public.

     In 2012, Mississippi had 247 WNV cases and five deaths. Lincoln County reported 12 cases in 2012 with one fatality.

     Leonard Roberts, 78, died in August 2012 at King’s Daughters Medical Center after contracting the virus.

     Lincoln County ranked fourth among counties with the most number of cases in 2012 behind Rankin with 45; Madison, 24; and Hinds, also 24.

     MSDH State Epidemiologist Dr. Thomas Dobbs said Mississippi is entering the high-risk West Nile season and the state typically sees more human cases in July, August and September than in other months.

     Health officials said Mississippians should take precautions to protect themselves from mosquitoes.

     For more information visit the Mississippi State Department of Health website at: www.HealthyMs.com/westnile