The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services reports one additional confirmed case of H1N1 flu in a New Jersey resident today (May 5).  This additional case will be noted on the CDC website tomorrow.

Today’s confirmed case is a 12-year old Camden County female, who had traveled to an affected state and did not return to school while sick.  She was not hospitalized and has since recovered.

In addition, after further review by the CDC, a case previously identified as a confirmed case of H1N1 flu in a 22-year old Bergen County female has now been identified as testing negative for the strain. The local health department and the patient were informed.

Currently, there are seven confirmed cases and no probable cases of H1N1 flu in New Jersey.

The Department has opened up a toll-free information line for both the general public and healthcare providers. This number is 1-866-321-9571.

In the United States, there are 403 confirmed cases in 38 states being reported by the CDC today.

“The Department continues to watch how the H1N1 is spreading across the nation so we have a better understanding of this strain,” said Health and Senior Services Commissioner Heather Howard. “Although there doesn’t appear to be an increase in the number of probable cases being identified in our state, we need to remain alert and informed.”

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

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 flu 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 swine flu in people, especially in Mexico for reasons that are not known. Like seasonal flu, swine flu 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.