Officials said four of the five probable cases had traveled recently to Mexico and the fifth had traveled to California. The patients include residents from various counties throughout New Jersey.
No further information was available while CDC confirmation is pending. Confirmatory results are expected back within 48 hours.
"We recognize that swine flu will likely be an ongoing public health issue. Fortunately, as elsewhere in the country, these probable cases have mild illness," said Commissioner Heather Howard. "Right now, I want to emphasize that the best form of prevention is to observe good health hygiene, including covering your coughs and sneezes, washing your hands frequently and staying home from school or work if you're sick."
Earlier today, Governor Jon S. Corzine convened a meeting of cabinet members and key health department staff to review and coordinate preparedness plans across state agencies and to ensure an efficient response.
---
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
For facts about influenza, and more information about swine flu, please visit the Health Department and CDC websites. Some specific resources:
From New York City Health Department
Facts about flu
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/cd/cdinflu.shtml
From Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
General information about swine flu
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/general_info.htm
Swine Flu Case Definitions
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/casedef_swineflu.htm
Swine Flu Infection Control and Patient Care
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/guidelines_infection_control.htm
Preventing the Flu
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm
MORE POLITICS FROM AP
NEW YORK AND TRI-STATE AREA NEWS
USEFUL LINKS:
E-MAIL UP CLOSE || REPORT TYPO || GET WIDGET
UP CLOSE ON FACEBOOK
