Three deaths from the West Nile Virus have been confirmed in Mississippi so far this year.

This most recent death involved a Forrest County resident, according to a release from the Mississippi State Department of Health.

Two more cases have also been confirmed in residents of Hinds County and another case was reported in Lauderdale County the release states.

As of Wednesday, the MDSH reports 18 total human West Nile Virus Cases in Mississippi. Cases include two in Adams, one in Bolivar, one in Covington, one in Forrest, four in Hinds, one in Lauderdale, one in Madison, one in Newton, four in Rankin, one in Yazoo and one in Wilkinson counties.

One death each has occurred in Forrest, Madison and Yazoo counties.

Last year 43 confirmed cases of West Nile Virus were reported in Mississippi.

Symptoms of West Nile can include fever, headache, fatigue, nausea or vomiting. Severe cases can escalate to meningitis.

Most cases are mild and do not involve death.

To avoid exposure to West Nile Virus the MSDH recommends wearing loose, light colored clothing that covers the arms and legs, removing standing water from around the home and avoiding areas with high concentrations of mosquitos.