SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health reported today that it is sending two more probable cases of swine flu to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for confirmatory testing. The new samples are from a 14-year-old female and 15-year-old male both from Socorro County. The Department of Health previously reported two probable cases in an 18-year-old male from Valencia County and a 1-year-old male from Santa Fe County, who was hospitalized. All four cases are recovering.
 
The Department is investigating the four probable cases to determine contacts and exposure. So far, the Department has determined that the first two cases did not have exposures to public schools or contact with Mexico that would have caused their illness. The Department does not have information yet about potential exposure of the most recent cases. The investigation into all cases is ongoing. The Scientific Lab has tested 41 patient samples so far.
 
“We are gathering information as quickly as we can and will report any additional news as it becomes available,” said Health Secretary Alfredo Vigil, MD.
 
The Department expects to receive information from the CDC on the first two probable cases late tomorrow. The Department’s Scientific Laboratory received new test materials from the CDC today so the Laboratory can confirm swine influenza without sending samples to CDC by early next week.
 
Swine flu symptoms include fever (above 100) and sore throat or cough. If sick, people should stay home and call their health care provider.
 
“The best precautions you can take are washing your hands frequently, staying home if you are sick and covering your cough with a tissue or your arm,” Dr. Vigil said.
 
For current information please consult, the CDC website at:  [ http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/ ]http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/ and the NM Department of Health website at:[ http://www.nme ]http://www.nme http://nmhealth.org/FLU/seasonal/swine_flu.html. For general questions about swine flu, call the state’s Swine Influenza Hotline at 1-866-850-5893. People who have symptoms may call the Nurse Advice New Mexico at 1-877-725-2552. The Department also set up a specific hotline for callers who speak Spanish: 1-800-784-0394.