WINDHOEK, July 18 (Xinhua) -- The Namibian Health Ministry on Wednesday confirmed 70 cases of swine flu.

According to acting permanent health secretary Petronella Masabane, more cases have occurred since the first ones were reported in June by private health facilities in Windhoek.

Necessary precautions need to be taken, which include "practicing respiratory hygiene by covering the nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing and washing the hands regularly with soap," she said, adding the virus had been circulating for the last decade all year round with cases peaking in the winter.

Namibia experienced an outbreak of the virus from 2009 to 2010, when 102 cases tested positive out of over 8,000 cases reported.