The Idaho State Laboratory confirmed the fourth and fifth cases of Novel H1N1 (swine) influenza in the five northern counties this week, reinforcing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s message that the virus continues to spread. The latest cases are in women in their 20s. Both are recovering without hospitalization. One of the women lives in Kootenai County and recently traveled to Seattle. The other is a visitor to Bonners Ferry. She is isolating herself until she’s no longer contagious. Panhandle Health District (PHD) is monitoring both patients’ contacts for signs of flu symptoms and is working with the medical community and local governments to control spread as much as possible/Cynthia Taggart, Panhandle Health District. More here.