Jackson County has confirmed its first positive swine flu case.

The Jackson County Department of Health and Human Services received confirmation of a positive H1N1 flu case on June 24, according to public health officer Christine Hovell.

The individual — who reportedly is now doing fine — is only described as an adult resident of the county. Hovell said it’s believed the individual contracted the disease while traveling to an area in Wisconsin known to have the H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu.

Hovell said the individual was tested for the virus after having symptoms associated with the swine flu. Following proper protocol, the individual stayed home for seven days to avoid contact with others while awaiting test results.

Hovell said the individual is “doing absolutely fine” and associated family members also have been assessed. She said there is no reason for other residents to be concerned.

“We’re finding symptoms have not been deadly or severe (in our area), other than people just feeling pretty rotten,” Hovell said. “We don’t see anything to be really alarmed about at the moment regarding H1N1.”

A number of suspected swine flu cases in Jackson County have been tested, but this is the first positive case.

According to the Wisconsin Division of Public Health, Jackson County had been one of only 24 counties in the state as of June 22 to not have a positive swine flu case. That list has since dwindled to 19 counties, with Juneau County being the only county adjacent to Jackson that has not had a positive case.

As of June 26, La Crosse County has 44 confirmed cases, Eau Claire County has 23, Monroe County has 15, Wood County has seven, Trempealeau County has two and Clark County has one.

According to the Division of Public Health, there have been 4,059 confirmed cases of swine flu in Wisconsin. Four people — two of which were children — reportedly have died from swine flu in the state.

Hovell said the department is in regular contact with the Wisconsin Division of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and she said the DHHS is working with local businesses, schools and the public to help prevent further spread of the disease.

“We are working now to limit disease transmission and planning for a more complex fall (and) winter influenza season,” Hovell said. “We are hoping there is an effective vaccine ready for fall, as this would be the most effective way to limit H1N1 activity.”

Hovell said infection control measures could be implemented depending on disease activity — such as quarantine orders, school closures and limited public gatherings — but she said right now the best way to prevent the spread of the disease is through education and using common sense.

“Our biggest thing is people just need to make sure they wash their hands and cough or sneeze into their hands, turn their heads and be polite,” she said. “Basically just courteous-type things.”

Residents are encouraged to stay home when they are sick. Hovell said those who develop a fever with a cough or sore throat should seek prompt medical attention if they also have a chronic illness such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease; are pregnant; are under age 5 or over age 64; are immune suppressed; or have other chronic medical conditions.

For information, visit www.pandemic.wisconsin.gov.