The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services reports no new confirmed cases of H1N1 flu in New Jersey residents today (May 6), but is reporting two additional probable cases that are being tested at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Currently, there are 7 confirmed cases in New Jersey and two probable cases. The Department does not provide details such as county of residence for probable cases. Those details will be available when the cases are confirmed.

“In New Jersey, health officials are keeping a close eye on the H1N1 flu virus as we better understand how it spreads,” said Health and Senior Services Commissioner Heather Howard. “Everyone needs to remain informed as this outbreak continues to evolve.”

The Department is also recommending updated school closure direction from the CDC. Under this new guidance, school closure is not advised for a suspected or confirmed case of novel influenza A (H1N1) and, in general, is not advised unless there is a large number of faculty or student absenteeism that interferes with the school’s ability to function. Schools that were closed based on previous interim CDC guidance related to this outbreak may reopen in consultation with their local health departments.

In collaboration with the state Department of Education and the Department of Children and Families, the Department developed and distributed guidance to parents and guardians whose children attend public schools and child care centers.

The guidance provides information on the symptoms of swine flu, how the disease is spread, what parents should tell schools and child care centers if their child is sick, when to go the doctor and when to go to the hospital.

All information is posted on the Department’s website (www.nj.gov/health) in both English and Spanish.

In the United States, there are 642 confirmed cases in 41 states being reported by the CDC today.

“Providing the most up-to-date information to New Jersey residents has been a crucial component of our response to H1N1,” said Commissioner Howard. “Providing the general public information on symptoms and preventive activities helps contain and slow the spread of any kind of influenza and specifically H1N1 flu.”

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 continues to operate a toll-free information line for both the general public and healthcare providers. This number is 1-866-321-9571.

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.

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