The number of people believed to be infected with the swine flu virus in Maine remained steady at seven Monday, according to the state's Center for Disease Control and Prevention, although hundreds more are being tested for flu-like symptoms.
Dr. Dora Anne Mills, director of the Maine CDC, said the seven cases are in York, Kennebec and Penobscot counties, and have been reported previously. Of the seven, one in York County has been confirmed by the federal CDC; the others remain "probable" cases.
Mills could not confirm a television report Monday that suggested a woman in Scarborough was diagnosed by her doctor with the swine flu strain, also known as H1N1.
"I can tell you there are seven probable cases in Maine, but none in Cumberland County," Mills said.
The state is processing as many as 200 lab tests a day, she said. As many as 10 have tested positive for seasonal influenza.
None of the seven probable cases of swine flu is considered serious. Mills said all seven patients are recovering from mild illness at home.
She praised Mainers for taking precautions to help prevent the spread of the flu, and cautioned people not to become lax in those efforts. "We continue to ask people with fever or respiratory symptoms to stay home (and) continue to be very vigilant around respiratory hygiene," she said.
Meanwhile, Kennebunk Elementary School will remain closed through at least today. A decision on reopening the school will be made today after consultations with the state Department of Education, Mills said.
The state closed the school last week because two of its students live in the same household as an adult who is believed to be infected with H1N1.
Mills called the virus "relatively mild but genetically unique."
Because of the unique genetic structure, it's too soon to draw conclusions about the virus. That is why people should remain vigilant and prudent in their respiratory hygiene, she said, noting that people should monitor updates and prevention guidelines. Those guidelines will change as scientists and the medical community learn more about the disease.
As with seasonal flu, swine flu symptoms generally last about a week, Mills said.
Staff Writer Bob Keyes can be contacted at 791-6457 or at:
bkeyes@pressherald.com
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