That's more than the seven cases reported in 2011 but still far below the peak of 2,847 cases reported in 2003.
Still, the health department was warning residents of the disease Tuesday because mosquitoes that carry the disease are still circulating.
State public health veterinarian Elisabeth Lawaczeck (LAHV'-uh-chek) is advising people to wear insect repellent, drain standing water and use other methods to avoid mosquito bites when outdoors, such as limiting outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active or wearing long sleeves and pants.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)