State and local health officials say five probable cases of H1N1 swine flu have been detected in Salt Lake and Summit counties and Weber-Morgan Health District.
Judge Memorial Catholic High School has joined Park City schools in closing. A presenter at an April 27 event was identified as having a highly probable case of the virus, the school Web site said.
Utah officials expect to continue to send additional cases to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for testing.
Health officials are "highly suspicious" that another person not included in the count has swine flu because he or she returned from Mexico with flu-like symptoms.
So far, swine flu symptoms in the U.S. appear mild, similar to this year's seasonal flu, said David Sundwall, executive director of the state Department of Health.
He spoke at the conference with Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., where they urged Utahns to use common sense -- such as staying home when sick -- to fight the flu.
"The flu has arrived in the state of Utah," Huntsman said. "We want Utahns to be alert. We do not want hysteria to prevail."
"Do what your grandmother told you," suggested Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon, urging frequent hand washing.
Sundwall said those with significant flu symptoms -- such as fever and body aches -- should see a doctor. Those exposed to the flu are likely contagious for a week after the onset of symptoms, he said.
The new strain of flu appears to respond to anti-viral medications, he said. Officials declined to say whether the patients or their close contacts are on the medications. That would be up to their health care providers.
Park City School District officials "erred on the side of being cautious" in deciding to close schools Thursday, Sundwall said, adding he is confident officials can limit the spread of the flu across the state.
School officials decided late Wednesday to close their eight campuses at least through Monday, after three children were found to have a strain of flu that could not be immediately identified.
Results of testing to determine whether the elementary and middle school students have swine flu are expected Friday afternoon or Saturday, Utah Department of Health spokesman Tom Hudachko said.
» Park City School District has closed its eight campuses -- and several private schools are closed as well -- after three children were found to have a strain of flu that could not be immediately identified.
» Their initial tests results are considered "probable positive" for the new swine flu because they are Type A strains of influenza that do not match any known subcategories, explained Utah Department of Health spokesman Tom Hudachko.
» Samples are being sent to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta; results will be returned Friday afternoon or Saturday, Hudachko said.
» The three children attend elementary and middle schools in Park City. District officials say they will decide Monday whether to reopen schools.
» The 2-1-1 Information and Referral line is now also operating as a public hot line for Utahns with questions about the swine flu, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
» The Park City School District and other agencies have established a hot line at 435-615-5989 for information about the suspected cases of swine flu in the community. It has representatives from the Park City School District, Health Department, Park City government and other agencies available to answer questions.
