The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services reports no new confirmed cases of 2009 H1N1 Influenza A in New Jersey residents today (May 3).

There are also no new probable cases of 2009 H1N1 Influenza A.

Currently, there are 7 confirmed cases and one probable case of 2009 H1N1 Influenza A in New Jersey.

The next case update will occur tomorrow about 4 p.m.

In the United States, there are 226 confirmed cases in 30 states being reported by the CDC today.

“Although there are no new cases reported in New Jersey today, I remind everyone to remain vigilant and continue to stay informed and practice good hygiene habits,” said Health and Senior Services Commissioner Heather Howard. “New Jersey will continue its monitoring activities and coordination with federal, state and local health care partners.”

The illness is spread when a symptomatic person coughs sneezes or has other contact with a well person.

Commissioner Howard continues to urge all New Jersey residents to take preventive measures to avoid getting sick. These include:

• Washing your hands frequently and thoroughly
• Covering coughs and sneezes
• Staying home from work or school if you are sick

The Department has opened up a 24-hour toll-free information line for both the general public and healthcare providers. This number is 1-866-321-9571. Since opening Wednesday, the center received more than 2,400 calls.

Swine influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that cause regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine influenza, but human infections can and do happen.

The symptoms of swine influenza in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been associated with swine influenza in people, especially in Mexico for that reasons that are not known. Like seasonal flu, swine influenza might cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.