COVINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Health officials say there have been three more deaths in Kentucky related to the swine flu, bringing the state's total to 18.

WAVE-TV in Louisville reported Wednesday that two Jefferson County women, both with significant underlying health conditions, died overnight.

The Northern Kentucky Health Department reported Wednesday that a woman in her 60s, who also had underlying health conditions, died in Kenton County. It was the second reported swine flu death in Kenton County this week.

Northern Kentucky Health Department district director Steven R. Katkowsky says the cases were unrelated but are a "reminder of how serious influenza can be."

Swine flu-related deaths also have been reported in seven other counties.