Published: September 16, 2009 05:20 pm      

5th swine flu death in Mississippi

JACKSON — The Mississippi Department of Health has reported the state’s fifth swine flu death.

Health officials say the latest death occurred in Tippah County.

The number of confirmed cases of swine flu in Mississippi has risen to 839. The state Department of Health released the new figures as part of its weekly health report.

Symptoms of swine flu in humans are similar to those of seasonal flu, with fever, respiratory symptoms and body aches. According to the Health Department, many of the swine flu deaths nationwide were among people with pre-existing health conditions.