The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services reports no new confirmed cases of 2009 H1N1 Influenza A in New Jersey residents today.

There are also no new probable cases of 2009 H1N1 Influenza A.

Currently, there are 7 confirmed cases and one probable case of 2009 H1N1 Influenza A in New Jersey.

The next update will occur tomorrow about 4 p.m.

In the United States, there are 160 confirmed cases in 21 states being reported by the CDC.

“We will continue to monitor the situation as we continue to understand how this H1N1 virus is spreading. We understand that the general public is concerned, as they should be, and ask that they remain vigilant and practice good hygiene habits,” said Health and Senior Services Commissioner Heather Howard.

The illness is spread when a symptomatic person coughs, sneezes or has other contact with a well person.

Commissioner Howard continues to urge all New Jersey residents to take preventive measures to avoid getting sick. These include:

• Washing your hands frequently and thoroughly
• Covering coughs and sneezes
• Staying home from work or school if you are sick

The Department has opened up a 24-hour toll-free information line for both the general public and healthcare providers. This number is 1-866-321-9571. The call center received more than 300 calls over the past 24 hours.

Swine influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that cause regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine influenza, but human infections can and do happen.

The symptoms of swine influenza in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been associated with 2009 H1N1 Influenza A infection in people, especially in Mexico for that reasons that are not known. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 Influenza A might cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

For more information on H1N1 Influenza, visit www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.nj.gov/health.