JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - The state Department of Health is reporting 17 new human cases of West Nile virus, bringing the total to 186 cases and four deaths.

In 2011, Mississippi had 52 West Nile virus cases and five deaths. The health department only reports laboratory-confirmed cases to the public.

The Clarion-Ledger reports (http://on.thec-l.com/PUuNsk ) the new cases were reported in Adams (1), Bolivar (1), DeSoto (2), Hancock (1), Hinds (3), Leflore (1), Lincoln (1), Madison (4), Rankin (1), Sunflower (1), and Yazoo (1) counties.

Information from: The Clarion-Ledger, http://www.clarionledger.com

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