H1N1 flu cases continue climbing

Hidalgo and Cameron counties are among the hot spots for the H1N1 flu in the state as they record the most probable and confirmed cases of the novel flu, public records show.

This was gleaned from the most recent update of cases reported by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Statewide and as of Tuesday, there were 192 probable cases, and 1,499 confirmed cases, for a total of 1,671 cases.

With 68 of 254 counties in the state reporting H1N1 probable and confirmed cases, Hidalgo County leads with 266 probable and confirmed cases, followed by Cameron County with 222, El Paso County with 180 cases, Bexar County 170, Dallas County 144, Tarrant County 123 and Harris County with 106 cases. The remaining counties have reported from one case up to 58 probable and confirmed cases.

Meanwhile, DSHS announced on its Web site that its H1N1 Call Center is no longer operational. The public is directed to contact health care providers, local health departments or nearest DSHS regional offices for information regarding the flu. The regional office in the Rio Grande Valley is in Harlingen and the telephone number is (956) 423-0130.

DSHS Commissioner Dr. David Lakey also is urging students and their parents to continue to take precautions to reduce the risk of spreading the flu as the end of the school year nears.

"The virus continues to circulate," Lakey said in a statement. "We need to continue to take those personal steps to keep from getting or spreading H1N1 flu."

DHS urges the public to stay home if sick, cover coughs and sneezes and wash hands frequently.