AUGUSTA – State health officials are coordinating with federal officials to minimize the impact of the swine flu in Maine, according to a press release issued by Gov. John Baldacci’s office.

The effort is in response to confirmed cases of people infected with swine influenza in several states and Mexico.

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Health and Human Services has been working closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the release stated.

“We have seen a decrease in seasonal influenza in Maine these past few weeks, and have not detected any swine flu yet,” said Dr. Dora Anne Mills, the Director of the Maine CDC. “However, with this outbreak spreading, it is likely we will see it in Maine. Our goal is to minimize its impact.”

So far, there have been no fatalities associated with swine flu in the United States.

“Everyone has an important role in making sure swine flu has a minimal impact in Maine. We can all be vigilant in practicing respiratory hygiene,” Mills said.

To see updates on the situation in the U.S. visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Web site.

Map of all swine flu cases:

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