Lincoln County sees first H1N1 flu case

It’s official … the first confirmed case of the H1N1 flu has surfaced in Lincoln County.

Amy Smart, Lincoln County public health emergency official, reported that a case of H1N1 was confirmed by infection preventionist Susan Horelick Friday morning at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital in Libby.

Smart said there had been rumors in the community about the flu’s local presence. She said the H1N1 case “affected the expected age group at the expected mild to moderate severity.”

Smart reminds residents to use caution to limit spread of the flu.

“Please stay home if you’re sick,” Smart advises. “Wash your hands and cover your coughs and sneezes.”

For a guest column on the H1N1 flu from Smart, go to http://www.thewesternnews.com/articles/2009/10/10/editorials/doc4ad0b985b6587456527272.txt