Cape Coral has two probable cases of swine flu.

Samples from the possible cases of H1N1 virus have been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta for further confirmatory testing, the Lee County Heath Department said today.

Meanwhile, a third Lee County case of swine flu has been confirmed by the CDC.

Of the two new probable cases, both are Cape Coral residents; one is a school-aged child and the other is an adult female.

Those who have been identified as confirmed and probable cases have all had mild symptoms and are doing fine, officials said.

The newly identified student case was absent from school during the illness and has recovered and returned to school. The total case count is now three confirmed and two probable cases of H1N1 virus in Lee County.

“We continue to recommend the same precautions to the public that we always recommend during the flu season: that everyone should wash they hands frequently, stay home from work or school if they feel ill, and cover their mouths with a tissue or their sleeve if they are coughing,” said Dr. Judith Hartner, M.D., M.P.H., M.P.A., in a prepared statement.

The confirmed cases in Lee County include a 7-year-old boy; a 10-year-old boy and an 8-year-old girl.

People who have been in close contact with a person who has been diagnosed with H1N1 flu or who reside in communities where there are one or more confirmed swine flu cases should also be alert for flu-like symptoms.

Common sense precautions to prevent illness include: avoiding close contact with those who are ill; staying home when sick; covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; avoiding touching the eyes, nose or mouth; and frequent hand washing, officials said.

Currently, there are more than 1,639 confirmed cases and two deaths of swine flu in the U.S., a number that is expected to continue to grow.

For more information on swine flu, visit: http://cdc.gov/swineflu. Individuals can also visit www.doh.state.fl.us/DEMO/php/FluInfo for information on swine flu and Florida. Additionally a toll free information line has been established to address the increasing number of calls from the public requesting H1N1 flu information. The number is 1-800-342-3557 and it is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. A local Lee County Health Department live hotline number is 239-461-6180.