NH reports 2 more may have H1N1

Two more probable cases of H1N1 flu, or swine flu, have been found in New Hampshire, according to health officials.

All cases, including two Nashua teens, continue to do well.

Dr. Jose Montero, the Director of Public Health at the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, also announced that one previously announced “probable” case, an Upper Valley resident, has been confirmed as H1N1 by the Centers for Disease Control.

Probable cases are those who appear from local tests to have H1N1. Only testing of samples by the CDC can give absolute confirmation that the disease is swine flu.
The two new probable cases are an adult from Rochester and a 10-year-old from Bedford.

The Nashua probable cases include a 13-year-old who attends school in Massachusetts, and a 13-year-old who attends public school in the city.

The only school in the Nashua region to have closed due to N1H1 is the Academy of Notre Dame in Tyngsborough, Mass. It is slated to reopen Monday. Health officials no longer recommend that schools close if a case is found among their pupils.

The DHHS Public Health Laboratory has tested 549 samples. Of those, 519 tested negative for any flu, 19 tested positive for seasonal flu, the remaining 11 are probable or confirmed cases of H1N1.

DHHS says people should stay home from work or school if they feel sick, should cover their mouth and nose with their sleeve when coughing or sneezing, and frequently wash their hands.

For questions about H1N1, possible symptoms, travel information, or other issues related to this illness residents can call 1-888-330-6764 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily. For more information on H1N1 flu, visit www.dhhs.nh.gov or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu.