The official press release from the District regarding the two probable cases of swine flu at George Washington University is below. Unlike the Obama advance guy and the World Bank employee, both of whom live in Maryland, these two cases are being counted in the District proper. Note that the city is directing residents to www.doh.dc.gov for further updates and information.

Washington, DC – Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and Dr. Pierre Vigilance, Director of the DC Department of Health (DOH) today announced the District’s first two probable cases of the H1N1 influenza virus, also known as swine flu. The Mayor also announced new informational resources for District residents, businesses and educational institutions.

DOH has sent samples from two probable cases of H1N1 influenza to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for further testing to confirm whether the two individuals have the virus. The two cases are both students at George Washington University in the District. One of the students has a history of travel to one of the H1N1 virus areas of interest, the other is linked through exposure to the first case. Both have been treated, and neither student has been hospitalized. DOH and the George Washington University are working together to identify any possible exposures and prevent the further spread of the virus.

“Thankfully, both of individuals appear to be recovering well,” said Mayor Fenty. “Over the past week, the H1N1 virus has spread across the country and we are working with the CDC using best practices from other states who have already had cases and put in place measures to curb the spread of this virus.”

DOH continues to actively monitor the known and potential cases in the region and across the country. The CDC expects the number of cases in the United States to continue to increase and be identified in new locations.

“As we identify potential cases in the District and the greater metropolitan area it’s important for residents to remember that the best way to prevent the spread of disease is to wash your hands frequently, cover your cough with your arm or your sleeve and stay home from work or school if you are sick,” said Dr. Vigilance. “As with any flu virus, we should do our part to help prevent others from getting sick.”