Eight cases of H1N1 virus have now been confirmed in residents in Lee County.

The newly confirmed case is an adult male whom resides in south Fort Myers. As with the previously confirmed cases, the man had mild symptoms and is doing fine, officials said.

“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; an 8-year-old girl; a 7-year- old boy; a 60-year-old woman; an 18-year-old man; a 21-year-old woman and a 34-year-old man.

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. The CDC has advised people with chronic pre-existing conditions and pregnant women to be especially vigilant to prevent against infection.

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.