Eighteen new swine flu cases have been confirmed this week in Mississippi.

The Mississippi Department of Health said in a Friday news release that the state’s total number of cases is now 26.

Seven of the new cases are in Jackson County. Harrison County has six and Lamar County has two. There was one new case each in Forrest, Union and Lauderdale counties.

State epidemiologist Dr. Mary Currier said swine flu responds well to anti-viral medications, but children, the elderly, pregnant women and the chronically ill may be at higher risk for complications.

On the Net:

Mississippi State Department of Health, http://www.HealthyMS.com