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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 11, 2009

CONTACT
Marla Augustine, Communications and Legislative Services, (402) 471-4047, cell (402) 416-9388 or marla.augustine@nebraska.gov

Previous sound bites on this topic are available at: www.dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/audio.aspx

Two New Probable Cases of H1N1 Flu Reported Today

Lincoln—Two new probable cases of novel H1N1 influenza have been reported in Nebraska from Sunday’s test results, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. The Nebraska Public Health Laboratory has confirmed 19 Nebraska-resident cases so far.

Today’s report:

*New probable cases: 2

**New confirmed cases: 0

The counties, gender and ages of the new probable cases are: Douglas, male in his 20s; Dawson County, female in her 40s.

In addition to Nebraska resident cases, two non-resident cases have been identified in Nebraska—one each from California and Missouri.

Advice

For any flu-like illness:

• People who are sick should stay home from work or school to avoid spreading the
  virus.
• Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
• Wash hands frequently.

If you are moderately to severely ill with a cough, sore throat, fever and body aches (and perhaps vomiting and diarrhea), call your physician.  First call the physician’s office and tell staff what symptoms you are experiencing.  The physician may want to see you separately from other patients so that you don’t expose them in the waiting room.  Your doctor can prescribe an antiviral for you, which will ease your symptoms and possibly shorten the duration of your illness. 

For more information, see the DHHS web site: www.dhhs.ne.gov/publichealth/Pages/flu.aspx

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*The definition of a probable case is a case that has tested positive for influenza A and is not seasonal flu.

**The definition of a confirmed case is one that the Nebraska Public Health Laboratory has determined is a case of H1N1 influenza.