Monday, the Mississippi State Department of Health confirmed two new cases of West Nile Virus in Lauderdale and Marion counties.

According a MSDH release, the total number of reported cases in 2015 of WNV is now 27.

There has been one WNV related death reported in Attala County. Cases of the mosquito-borne illness have been reported in Adams, Attala, Covington, Forrest, Hinds, Lauderdale, Madison, Marion, Montgomery, Rankin, Simpson, Washington and Yazoo counties, the release states.

Last year, according to the MSDH, there were 43 WNV cases and seven deaths.

However, according to the MSDH, WNV symptoms are mild and can include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle weakness or swollen lymph nodes. In some cases, infection can cause encephalitis or meningitis, which can lead to paralysis, coma or death.

“The majority of WNV cases are reported in August and September, so it’s important to protect yourself,” State Epidemiologist Dr. Thomas Dobbs said in the release.

The MSDH offers these tips for protection against mosquito-borne illness:

–– Use repellents containing DEET.

–– Remove sources of standing water.

–– Wear loose and long clothing to cover arms and legs while outdoors.

–– Avoid mosquito prevalent areas.

For more information about WNV and other mosquito-borne illnesses, visit www.healthyms.com/westnile.