Another case of the H1N1 virus, better known as swine flu, was confirmed in Oktibbeha County last week, bringing the total to four.
The fourth case affected a male child, the director of communications for the State Department of Health, Liz Sharlot, said Wednesday.
The department considers a child to be an individual between the ages of 1 and 12.
Children, pregnant women and the elderly are most at risk for complications of the virus, although people with it have responded well to anti-viral medications, health officials have said.
“All of the children in Mississippi (who have contracted swine flu) have recovered,” Sharlot said.
In Winston County, which borders Oktibbeha, 27 cases of the virus had been reported as of Tuesday.
And 257 cases of the virus had been reported around the state since May 15, according to the health department”s Web site.
To date, no swine flu-related deaths have been reported in Mississippi.
To avoid contracting swine flu and other illnesses, MSDH suggests people wash their hands often and thoroughly, sneeze and cough into their sleeves and avoid contact with sick people.
“Definitely if you have a temperature, if you have a fever and you have symptoms,” Sharlot said, “call your doctor.”
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 47 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 47 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
