Share on Facebook

Smithfield, NC - The Johnston County Public Health Department was notified by the State Laboratory of Public Health today that three additional cases of novel H1N1 influenza have been confirmed in elementary school aged children in Johnston County.  The schools with confirmed cases are Cooper Elementary and Wilsons Mills.

Each school has one confirmed case and the other child does not attend school or daycare.  All appropriate parties have been notified.  These new cases are not unexpected.   The Public Health Department along with the Johnston County medical community continues to work diligently to monitor this situation and to assure the public's health is protected. 

The Johnston County Public Health Department is working to determine who might have been exposed before the patients showed symptoms.  Officials will be notifying anyone with whom there was close contact.  People who have been in close contact with the patients will be advised to go home at the earliest sign of illness and to minimize contact in the community to the extent possible.

The following information can help residents prevent transmission of the novel H1N1 influenza.

- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick
- Stay at home if you are sick

Influenza-like symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.  Some people have reported diarrhea or vomiting associated with this virus.  Like seasonal influenza, novel H1N1 influenza in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe.  Based on our experience, this strain of influenza appears to be milder than the seasonal influenza.  Certain groups might be more likely to develop a severe illness from novel H1N1 infection such as persons with diabetes, heart disease, asthma or emphysema.  Pregnant women are also at risk for complications from the virus.  Those who feel sick should check with their health care provider.

If you have additional questions or want further information call the State of NC Care Line 1-800-662-7030 or visit the following websites:  NC Division of Public Health www.ncpublichealth.com;  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov; or Johnston County Public Health Department www.johnstonnc.com/health.