The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the state's first confirmed case of H1N1 flu in an 18-year-old male from Valencia County.

The disease caused by the H1N1 flu virus in the United States appears to be mild so far. There are 226 confirmed cases in 30 states in the U.S., one person has died: a toddler from Mexico visiting Texas.

The state's Department of Health recommends that people wash hands frequently, cover a cough with a tissue or arm and to stay home when sick. If sick with fever and cough or sore throat, call a doctor for advice.

H1N1 Influenza Hotline: 1-866-850-5893 (for all questions about H1N1 influenza)

Nurse Advice Line: 1-877-725-2552 (for people with symptoms only)

Spanish callers: 1-800-784-0394

For more information go to the department's website at: http://nmhealth.org/FLU/seasonal/swine_flu.html or the CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ or call

1-800-CDC-INFO

In another development, the department and the state's Public Education Department announced that Carlsbad High School, Deming Intermediate School, all public schools in the Socorro Consolidated School District including Cottonwood Valley Charter School in Socorro and all public schools in the Lordsburg Municipal School District will close May 4 through May 10 due to probable cases of H1N1 influenza. These are probable cases that the Department of Health is already investigating.

The school closings will include the cancellation of all athletic and academic competitions, practices and extra-curricular activities. Child care programs and after school programs that are located on public or charter school properties will also be closed for the next week. Parents should keep their children at home and not allow them to congregate with other students to keep the possible spread of illness to a minimum. The closures will affect 14 schools.

“We are taking quick action to prevent the spread of H1N1 flu in New Mexico by closing the schools in these communities,” said Health Secretary Alfredo Vigil, MD. “Parents around the state need to continue to be diligent and keep their children home from school if they develop influenza-like symptoms.”

The decision to close the schools was based on probable cases of H1N1 influenza cases and guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Schools will conduct a thorough cleaning of high contact surfaces including doorknobs, counters and fixtures with disinfectants during the closures.

“Although we have not had any more confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus, the Department of Health, Public Education Department and superintendents closely collaborated on this decision to close the schools,” said Education Secretary Veronica C. García. “The decision was made in the best interests of children in the schools and to minimize the continued spread of any illness. I am counting on principals, coaches, athletic directors, and activity sponsors to strictly adhere to these guidelines about practices, athletic and academic activities, and any extra curricular activities.”

García urged parents to keep students who are ill to stay home from school.

“In general, any student, even students who are under truancy plans with schools or courts, are not to go to school if they are sick,” García said.