Five more human cases of the West Nile virus occurred in late 2007, bringing Mississippi’s total number of cases for the year to 133.

The state Department of Health, which keeps track of the West Nile virus, said three people died in 2007 from the mosquito-borne disease.

The agency said the latest cases occurred in late November and December — one each in Lamar, Hinds and Sunflower counties and two in Rankin County.

“With these cases, the virus was contracted during the winter months, reminding us that West Nile virus infection can occur year-round, especially when we have patches of warm weather,” said state Epidemiologist Dr. Mary Currier.

On the Net:

Mississippi Department of Health, http://www.HealthyMS.com