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• St. Croix Co. records first case of H1N1

Public Health officials confirmed St. Croix County's first case of H1N1 novel influenza (swine flu) Wednesday.

Already on summer break from school, the child is recovering at home, said a department spokesperson. Public Health officers wouldn't say in which part of the county the child lives.

According to the Center for Disease Control, Wisconsin has the second highest number of cases in the U.S. with a total of 1,370 confirmed cases. Most of those cases are in the southeastern part of the state.

In this area, Polk County has three confirmed cases; Eau Claire, three; Dunn, one; and Pierce, none.

Symptoms of H1N1 novel influenza are similar to seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some cases have included diarrhea and vomiting, according to a Public Health press release.

Transmission for H1N1 Novel Influenza is similar to seasonal flu. The following precautions are advised:

--Wash your hands frequently (20 seconds of full lather scrubbing, rinse and single service paper towel drying).

--When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth with arm or tissue.

--Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious foods.

--Try not to touch surfaces that may be contaminated with flu virus.

--Avoid contact with people who are sick.

--If you are sick, stay home. Do not go to work or school.

For more information go to Public Health at: www.co.saint-croix.wi.us or call 715-246-8263.