The Ohio Department of Health yesterday confirmed a case of swine flu involving a 9-year-old boy from Lorain County. The patient is considered to have a mild case of the disease and is recovering at home.

Investigators are looking at other suspected cases in Ohio, including in Wood County. The elementary where the boy attends will be closed this week as a precaution.

Because this combination of strains of the influenza virus is new, ODH and local health departments are reminding Ohioans of the precautions they should take to avoid exposure. As with all newly emerging flu strains, no vaccine has yet been developed.

“I urge Ohioans to be alert to information about this new flu,” said ODH Director Alvin D. Jackson, M.D. “In addition, the tried-and-true saying about washing hands and covering one’s cough remains sound medical advice.”

Symptoms of this swine flu virus closely resemble seasonal flu, and include fever, weakness, coughing and lack of appetite.

The case was confirmed as the US Government declared an emergency to deal with the outbreak. Travelers returning from Mexico who appear to have flu-like symptoms could be quarantined.

The strain is believed to have infected 1,300 people with 80 deaths in Mexico.