Governor Rell: 9 More Cases of H1N1 Confirmed

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that the Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed 9 new cases of novel H1N1 flu (swine flu) among Connecticut residents.  Eight cases were confirmed by the Connecticut DPH Laboratory and one by the Massachusetts State Laboratory. 

Positive results for H1N1 flu were confirmed for Fairfield, Manchester, Ridgefield (2), Southbury, Stamford, Trumbull, Waterbury, and Woodbury.           

            “We are fortunate that the cases that we are seeing in Connecticut continue to be relatively mild and folks are recovering without hospitalization,” Governor Rell said. “However, just like seasonal flu, H1N1 can lead to serious illness and it is important that people take simple precautions to protect themselves.  People with flu-like symptoms should call their doctor.”

            A total of 47 confirmed cases have now been identified among Connecticut residents. Among the 47 cases, ages range from 4 to 56; 23 are female and 24 are male. Cases are from the following counties: Fairfield, 31; Hartford, 6; Litchfield, 1; Middlesex, 1; New Haven, 6; and New London, 2.

            None of the cases required hospitalization and all are recovering or have since recovered.  Cases have been confirmed in the following towns: Danbury (1), Darien (2), Derby (1), Fairfield (11), Glastonbury (1), Greenwich (2), Hamden (1), Hartford (1), Manchester (2), Middlefield (1), New Haven (1), North Granby (1), Old Saybrook (1), Pawcatuck (1), Redding (1), Ridgefield (8), Southbury (1), Stamford (2), Stratford (1), Trumbull (1), Waterbury (2), Wethersfield (1), Wilton (2) and Woodbury (1).

            DPH continues to ask residents to take precautions to prevent getting the flu or spreading it by staying home from work or school if they are sick, washing their hands frequently, and coughing or sneezing into their sleeve or a tissue.

            For more information on swine flu:

• Connecticut Flu Watch: www.ct.gov/ctfluwatch/swineflu
• Connecticut Department of Public Health: www.ct.gov/dph
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov
• Call 211