New York Governor Paterson Announces One New Confirmed H1N1 Case

Two More New York Schools Close

May 5, 2009 -- New York Governor David A. Paterson today announced that specimen testing performed Monday by the New York State Department of Health’s (DOH) Wadsworth Laboratories resulted in one new confirmed case of H1N1 (swine flu).

Article continues below...

“At my request, DOH continues to coordinate a statewide response to the H1N1 outbreak,” said Governor Paterson. “Yesterday, DOH’s Wadsworth Laboratories tested 18 specimens from 18 patients, including one repeat from Sunday. One new confirmed case of H1N1 was identified in Queens.”

As of this morning, a total of 91 confirmed cases of H1N1 have been identified in New York State, including 74 confirmed in New York City and 17 confirmed in counties outside of New York City. There are an additional six probable cases in New York City and two probable cases in Westchester County.

Testing on New York City specimens continues to be conducted by New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYCDOHMH). NYCDOHMH has not yet been granted independent testing status and results continue to be listed as probable until CDC confirmation. NYCDOHMH expects to be granted independent testing status later this week. The cases in Westchester County were tested by the Connecticut Department of Public Health, which does not have independent testing status.

State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D. said: “While we have only identified one new case of H1N1 in the last two days, we should expect that there will be more. It’s important for New Yorkers to remain alert and continue to take common-sense measures, such as frequent hand washing, to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus.”

“As with everything related to the H1N1 outbreak, the situation with schools continues to evolve,” said Governor Paterson. “This afternoon, CDC revised its guidelines for school and child care facility closure, aligning them more closely with what we have been recommending in New York State. I have asked the State Health and Education Departments to quickly update schools on the new policy issued by the CDC.”

More information about H1N1 is available at: http://www.ny.gov/h1n1/index.html.

Source: New York Governor