Four birds in Adams County and one in Concordia Parish have tested positive for the West Nile virus this year.

In fact, Adams County’s is the second-highest rate in Mississippi, just after Rankin County’s.

Although no human cases have yet been reported in the Miss-Lou, that still gives residents who remember other human cases in recent years a cause for pause.

That’s understandable, considering the litany of symptoms experienced by those who contract West Nile fever from the virus.

Symptoms range from high fever rashes to nausea and pain in muscles and joints.

In all, 19 people in Louisiana and seven in Mississippi have become ill from the virus this year, and one person died in Louisiana. The elderly are the most susceptible.

We encourage local governments to make mosquito control &045;&045; and therefore, control of the threat of West Nile &045;&045; one of their top priorities throughout mosquito season.

They should also make it a priority during the current budget season, using money where it does the most good to protect the health and welfare of their citizens.

But while people have a right to expect the government they fund to protect their health, citizens must also take steps themselves to protect themselves and those they care about.

Those steps include using mosquito repellent with DEET, wearing clothing that covers up the most skin, and getting rid of containers and debris that hold water around their homes.

Let’s all do our part to help keep our community healthy.