NATCHEZ — The Miss-Lou’s 11th laboratory-confirmed case of West Nile Virus was reported by the Mississippi State Department of Health Monday.

The new case is in Adams County, which now has a total of five confirmed cases. Concordia Parish also has five confirmed cases, while Catahoula Parish has one confirmed case.

Overall, Mississippi has 52 confirmed cases, while the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals reports a total of 251 for the state. Five people in Mississippi have died of West Nile Virus this year, while 11 have in Louisiana.

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 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.