A human case of the West Nile virus has been confirmed in Jones County, the fifth case of the mosquito-borne disease reported by the Mississippi State Health Department this year.

Previously confirmed cases were in Lincoln, Forrest and Madison counties.

Symptoms may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, a rash, muscle weakness or swollen lymph nodes.

Infection can cause encephalitis or meningitis in a small number of people. Those illnesses can lead to paralysis, coma and possibly death.

On the Net:

Department of Health, http://www.HealthyMS.com