COEUR d'ALENE - Health officials said Friday afternoon its one probable case of the swine flu is still listed as probable.

State officials from the Department of Health and Welfare says the patient is a Kootenai County woman in her 60s who recently traveled to Texas. Her case has not been confirmed as the swine flu.

So far, 82 other lab samples have tested negative, while 11 cases are still under review.

“We are not surprised to find a probable case of swine flu in our state, and even though it is not confirmed, we want to exercise caution and keep people informed,” says Dr. Christine Hahn, Idaho State epidemiologist. “We will continue to aggressively monitor flu-like illnesses and may see additional cases.

The Idaho State Laboratory sent Idaho’s first probable case of swine flu to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Thursday for confirmation.

District Health Departments continue to investigate new reports of possible swine flu infection throughout the state.

In the United States, the government recommends that states stockpile enough flu-treatment doses to treat about 25 percent of the population. But an Associated Press survey found that more than 29 states have yet to reach that level.

Several were just under it, but 15 states had enough medicine on hand to treat fewer than 20 percent of residents. Seven states — Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Massachusetts and Montana — could treat about 15 percent.

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.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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More information:

Idaho swine flu Website