Two more people have died from the West Nile virus, putting the total number of deaths in Mississippi at 13, according to the state Department of Health.

Health officials said West Nile deaths thus far this year exceed the previous high of 12 deaths recorded in 2002.

The department said the latest deaths occurred in Grenada and Harrison counties. The victims have not been identified.

Officials said a new case of West Nile has been reported in Washington County. They said the total number of cases in Mississippi now stands at 181.