JACKSON — The Mississippi Department of Health has confirmed a second case of swine flu in Lowndes County, bringing the state”s total number of H1N1 virus cases to 58.
The first case affected a 19-year-old male. The victim of the new case is an adult male, according to Liz Sharlot, director of communications at the health department.
In addition to the Lowndes County cases, H1N1 cases have been reported in Harrison (18), Jackson (14), Hinds (four), Holmes (three), Forrest (three), Lamar (three), Jones (two), Lauderdale (two), Rankin (two), Yazoo (two), DeSoto (one), Madison (one) and Union (one) counties.
Mississippi has reported no swine flu deaths.
Health officials say H1N1 responds well to anti-viral medications, but children, the elderly, pregnant women and the chronically ill may be at higher risk for complications.
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To avoid contracting swine flu and other illnesses, MDH suggests people wash their hands often and thoroughly, sneeze and cough into their sleeves and avoid contact with sick people.
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