Three cases of the swine flu virus have been confirmed in Maine as of Wednesday morning. The three patients are adults, two from Kennebec County and one from York County, and are recovering in their homes.

Governor Baldacci has authorized the purchase of $2.2 million of antiviral medicine. In addition a the delivery of medicine from a federal stockpile is anticipated to arrive later this week.

At a State House Press conference today, Governor Baldacci and Maine Center for Disease Control Director Dora Anne Mills discussed the steps the state is taking to minimize the impact of the virus in the state.

“It is important for the citizens for Maine to prepare for this as they would any other emergency situation,” Baldacci said.

Mills emphasized the need for citizens to practice proper hygiene, including the following steps:

• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them.

Map of swine flu outbreaks (may be slightly outdated):

View H1N1 Swine Flu in a larger map

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