Ellington

JACKSON (AP) — The Mississippi Department of Health is reporting 26 new cases of West Nile virus.

The cases are in Copiah, Franklin, Hancock, Hinds, Jones, Lauderdale, Leflore, Lincoln, Madison, Monroe, Rankin, Sunflower and Washington counties

So far this year, the state has reported 59 cases. One of those resulted in the death of a Smith County resident.

In 2011, Mississippi had 52 cases of West Nile virus, with five deaths.

Health officials say residents should take precautions like removing sources of standing water where mosquitoes breed and to wear long pants and sleeves in mosquito-prone areas during peak times from dusk until dawn. Mosquito repellent is also recommended.