Sample sent to CDC confirms flu in NH

CONCORD – As expected, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta confirmed that one of three samples sent to it is positive for swine flu, or the H1N1 virus.

The results of two other samples are still pending.

The confirmed sample comes from a Concord Hospital employee who was considered a probable case pending confirmation from the CDC.

“These are the results we expected to hear,” Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Director Dr. Jose Montero said in a press release. “This individual has already started treatment and is recovering well at home.

“At this point there are still two other New Hampshire residents that have been identified as probable cases: Another employee from Concord Hospital and an individual from the Upper Valley. We are still awaiting final confirmation of these two cases from the CDC.”

All three people were considered probable cases after testing conducted at New Hampshire’s Public Health Lab in Concord. The lab had also been testing the samples of a third Concord Hospital employee and the employee’s child. Both of those tests were negative for flu. As of Saturday morning, the lab had tested 189 samples for H1N1 virus; 186 samples were negative.

The lab has received flu test kits from the CDC that will allow H1N1 testing to be done in the state, which will reduce wait time for results.

However, the lab must go through a certification process before it’s authorized to confirm H1N1.

For information about swine flu, symptoms, travel information or other issues related to this illness, New Hampshire residents can call 1-888-330-6764 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily.

For more information about swine flu, visit www.dhhs. nh.gov or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/swineflu.