IDAHO/WASHINGTON - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed swine flu infection in a Kootenai County woman, the first confirmed case of swine flu in Idaho.

The woman, who is in her 60s, became moderately ill after recently traveling to Texas. She was not hospitalized and is recovering.

Public health officials from Panhandle District Health and Idaho Public Health are working with the woman and her healthcare provider for continued care and have implemented strategies to reduce the chances of transmitting infection to other people.

This includes the use of antivirals and voluntary home isolation. The woman is retired and reportedly had limited contacts with other people since she began suffering flu-like symptoms.

With this confirmation, people do not need to change their normal daily routines.

“Our advice for people right now sounds simple, but is really effective,” says Dr. Christine Hahn, State Epidemiologist. “Wash your hands frequently, cover your cough and stay home from school or work when you are sick. Stopping the spread of flu is up to all of us. We can all do our part.”

The Idaho Bureau of Labs has tested samples from 82 people for swine flu infection. The state lab detected a probable case from the Kootenai County sample late Friday afternoon, and immediately shipped a sample to the CDC for confirmation. As of Monday, 286 people in the Untied States have confirmed cases of swine flu infection involving 36 other states.

District Health Departments continue to investigate new reports of possible swine flu infection. People who have a recent travel history to areas affected by swine flu and who are suffering from flu symptoms such as fever, sore throat, muscle aches, and cough are asked to contact their healthcare provider.

People who have no travel history should call their healthcare provider if their symptoms are severe enough that they would normally warrant a visit to their doctor. People who do not have any symptoms should not be tested for swine flu. Idaho public health officials are working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to distribute medications and supplies that could eventually be used to treat over 50,000 sick people in Idaho. The supplies will be strategically distributed throughout the state and serve as a reserve for medications that are currently available in the private sector at pharmacies and hospitals.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has developed a web site at www.swineflu.idaho.gov that will contain information about reports of influenza illnesses. The web site will be updated at 2 p.m., Monday through Saturday, with the most current lab results.

For people who may be traveling to affected areas, travel information and recommendations are available from the CDC at: www.cdc.gov/travel.

For further information visit Public Health Idaho North Central District’s website at www.idahopublichealth.com or call the Swine Flu information hotline at 208-748-0400.

In Washington, truckloads of medication and other medical supplies have started to arrive in our state as a precautionary measure in case they’re needed to help treat people with swine flu. All supplies are expected to arrive over the next several days.

These supplies are part of the federal government’s Strategic National Stockpile. This program was established to help states in any emergency — disease outbreaks, natural disasters, or bioterrorism. Supplies have been requested by all 50 states to respond to the swine flu outbreak.

“The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is doing an extraordinary job of responding to our state and working with our public health officials,” said Gov. Chris Gregoire. “In receiving these additional courses of medication, we are prepared to treat this illness, as needed.”

The state is receiving enough antiviral medication — Tamiflu® and Relenza® — to treat about 230,000 people. These medications must be prescribed by a health care provider.

“We’re working hard to track and respond to this new flu strain, and we’ve asked for these supplies so we’re ready if we need them,” said Secretary of Health Mary Selecky. “It’s important to know that these antivirals will be used to fill prescriptions to treat people who are sick only if commercial supplies run out.”

The CDC plans to send testing materials to the state laboratory in the next several days. These materials will allow workers to test for the new swine flu strain.

It’s important for people who are sick with flu-like symptoms to stay home or go to a health care provider if they become seriously ill. Symptoms of swine flu are similar to seasonal flu symptoms: fever, muscle aches, cough, and sometimes trouble breathing.