State Has No New Swine Flu Cases

TRENTON — The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services reports no new confirmed cases of H1N1 flu in New Jersey residents today (May 6), but is reporting two additional probable cases that are being tested at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Currently, there are seven confirmed cases in New Jersey and two probable cases. The department does not provide details such as county of residence for probable cases. Those details will be available when the cases are confirmed.
“In New Jersey, health officials are keeping a close eye on the H1N1 flu virus as we better understand how it spreads,” stated Health and Senior Services Commissioner Heather Howard in a release. “Everyone needs to remain informed as this outbreak continues to evolve.”
The department is also recommending updated school closure direction from the CDC. Under this new guidance, school closure is not advised for a suspected or confirmed case of novel influenza A (H1N1) and, in general, is not advised unless there is a large number of faculty or student absenteeism that interferes with the school’s ability to function.
Schools that were closed based on previous interim CDC guidance related to this outbreak may reopen in consultation with their local health departments.
In collaboration with the state Department of Education and the Department of Children and Families, the Department developed and distributed guidance to parents and guardians whose children attend public schools and child care centers.
The guidance provides information on the symptoms of swine flu, how the disease is spread, what parents should tell schools and child care centers if their child is sick, when to go the doctor and when to go to the hospital.
All information is posted on the Department’s website (www.nj.gov/health ) in both English and Spanish.