Three new probable cases of H1N1 influenza have been identified in Nebraska, according to Dr. Joann Schaefer, Chief Medical Officer for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

A statement from DHHS says the new probable cases are boys between the ages of 5 and 18, and live in Madison, Pierce and Sarpy counties. None have been hospitalized. The boys are doing well and recovering.

“Because of the geographical distance between cases, H1N1 is obviously in Nebraska and spreading,” Dr. Schaefer said. “I expect more cases. H1N1 is probably a virus that is here to stay.”

The director of the northeast Nebraska health department that oversees Pierce County says it's unknown how a local boy could have been exposed to the H1N1 flu.

North Central District Health Department Director Roger Wiese said it remains under investigation, but the boy who attends Norfolk Middle School and lives in Pierce County is doing well. He is taking anti-viral medication and remains in isolation. He has not had to be hospitalized.

Wiese said the boy had a headache, high fever and nausea while at school on Wednesday. School officials sent him to a clinic for testing.

“In addition to the probables, we also have 31 tests pending at the Nebraska Public Health Laboratory,” Dr. Schaefer said. “Some of these cases may turn out to be new probables. This is an evolving situation and we will keep the public informed as events develop.”

“Guidance and recommendations from the CDC are changing at least daily and we’re working with public health officials across the state to make sound decisions as the situation changes,” she said.

DHHS is releasing information about specimens that are either at the Nebraska Public Health Laboratory pending testing, that have been sent to the CDC for confirmation, or have been confirmed.

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