Illinois public health officials on Saturday are reporting the first probable cases of Swine Flu outside Chicago and the collar counties, bringing the total number of probable and confirmed cases to 88 in the state.
On Friday, tests confirmed one positive H1N1 (Swine Flu) case in Sangamon County and one in Winnebago County, according to an Illinois Dept. of Public Health release.
“We anticipated seeing cases of H1N1 flu virus across Illinois and we expect to see more. However, there is no need to be alarmed,” said Illinois Dept. of Public Health Dir. Dr. Damon T. Arnold in a release.
As of 10 a.m. Friday, there were three confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus in the state, two in the city of Chicago and one in DuPage County, the department said.
A "probable" case means lab testing done by the state has found a 99 percent certainty that a person has swine flu, Arnold said. All cases are sent to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for confirmation.
According to the CDC, 109 human cases of swine flu have been confirmed nationwide, with one of those resulting in death.
As of Friday, at least 16 schools in the Chicago area have closed as a preventative measure after probable cases of the flu were detected.
In Chicago, Chicago Public Schools officials announced that Joyce Kilmer School in Rogers Park will remain closed until further notice. The school was closed Wednesday when a 12-year-old student was determined to be a probable case of swine flu, and officials noticed lower than normal attendance.
CPS is monitoring attendance at all schools to determine whether more will close.
A hotline allowing Illinois residents to access information about the swine flu will be open starting Saturday morning, according to a release from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. The line will operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and will be staffed by volunteers.
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