VIDALIA — For the first time in two weeks, a case of West Nile Virus has not been reported in Concordia Parish, but state officials recommend citizens continue to “fight the bite.”

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals confirmed Friday 29 new cases of West Nile virus this week, but no new deaths.

Louisiana has seen the highest number of reported cases since 2005, with the total number reaching 280 cases and 11 deaths from the disease so far in 2012.

Concordia Parish has five confirmed cases, while Catahoula Parish has one confirmed case.

Earlier this week, the Mississippi State Department of Health confirmed a new reported case in Adams County, bringing its total to five.

Overall, Mississippi has 52 confirmed cases and five deaths so far in 2012.

As the weather begins to cool, state health officials recommend residents continue applying repellent and taking preventative measures when being outdoors.

West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can — in its most severe cases — lead to encephalitis or meningitis.

Milder cases of the virus can result in headache, fatigue, nausea and flu-like symptoms.

Health experts from both states recommend wearing DEET-based mosquito repellant and wearing protective clothing during peak mosquito activity hours, between dusk and dawn.

Ensuring no stagnant water — which can act as a mosquito-breeding pool — is left standing in an area is also recommended.