The first case of swine flu in Warren County was reported Monday, bringing to 105 the number recorded in Mississippi since the outbreak began two months ago.

A spokesman for the Mississippi Department of Health said an adult male was confirmed last week as having the virus. No identifying information about victims is made available.

Twenty-one other new cases were reported Monday, six in Lamar, four in Rankin, two each in Covington and Madison, and one each in Chickasaw, Forrest, Harrison, Jackson, Lafayette, Monroe and Winston counties.

More than 70 countries are now reporting cases of human infection with the flu, and the World Health Organization has said most of the cases have been linked to travel.

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing by infected people.

Mississippi Epidemiologist Mary Currier said the virus, which responds well to traditional anti-viral medications, mostly affects the elderly and very young, pregnant women and the chronically ill.

The virus, officially tabbed A (H1N1), has caused 231 deaths among the 52,160 confirmed cases, according to the World Health Organization, which on June 11 declared a Level 6 global pandemic, meaning the virus is still spreading. About half the cases are in the United States.

Everyday actions recommended are:

• Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Discard the tissue.

• Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Use alcohol-based hand cleaners if available.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

• Stay home if sick with any flu-like symptoms.

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Contact Matthew Breazeale at mbreazeale@vicksburgpost.com