Two more cases of swine flu have been reported in Warren County, bringing the county total to four and the state total to 181 since May 15.

A female child and another child whose gender was not reported were among the 29 cases in 16 counties added to the state total last week.

“Thus far we’ve had no deaths, and our patients have all recovered,” said Liz Sharlot, the director of communications at the Mississippi Department of Health.

The World Health Organization first reported the flu-like symptoms in Mexico and the United States in April and declared it a pandemic on June 11. Since, more than 99,000 cases have been reported worldwide, with 476 deaths.

Warren County’s first case was reported on June 22.

“There’s nothing to take from that, it is what it is, it came when it came, it doesn’t mean that Warren County is healthier,” Sharlot said. “It just happens when it happens, there’s no rhyme or reason.”

Sharlot said people should take the same precautions for the swine strain as they would for any other flu.

“Do exactly what you do during regular flu season,” she said. “This is to be thought of as a regular flu season, without a vaccine.”

Recommended actions 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 eyes, nose or mouth.

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Contact Andrea Vasquez at avasquez@vicksburgpost.com