May 7, 2009

Confirmed H1N1 Flu cases in Illinois at 258

Illinois Flu Hotline 866-848-2094 for English – 866-241-2183 for Spanish

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Officials with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are reporting 258 confirmed cases of H1N1 flu (swine flu) in Illinois and 22 probable cases.

“The Illinois Department of Public Health laboratories are doing a phenomenal job testing specimens for H1N1 flu. Thanks to the excellent work of our local health departments, hospitals and state health department employees, we have been able to collect specimens and identify cases of H1N1 flu sooner, which helps prevent the further spread of this virus,” said Dr. Damon T. Arnold, Illinois Department of Public Health Director. “The Department remains vigilant and will continue to identify cases as quickly as possible in an effort to reduce the impact of the H1N1 flu in Illinois.”

To stay healthy, follow the three C’s – Clean – properly wash your hands frequently, Cover – cover your cough and sneeze, Contain – contain your germs by staying home if you are sick.

People who have questions about H1N1 flu can call the Illinois flu hotline at 866-848-2094 for English and 866-241-2138 for Spanish. The hotline currently operates from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, but will be closed on Sunday, May 10, and until further notice, will operate from 8:30 am to 5 p.m. daily starting next Monday, May 11.

For more information on H1N1 flu, log onto ready.illinois.gov.