Updated 12:56 p.m. June 15

Stanislaus County Public Health officials announced Monday that a 22-year-old county woman has the H1N1 swine flu virus. It is the first confirmed case in the county of the global pandemic that has killed hundreds and sickened thousands.

The woman, whose identity and location were not released, was not hospitalized, according to the county news release.

The California Department of Public Health’s Web site showed two probable cases of swine flu in Stanislaus County as of Thursday, June 11.

Dr. John Walker, county public health officer, said one of those probable cases was the one confirmed Monday. The other, he said, was a false positive, meaning the patient initially tested positive for swine flu but further testing showed it to be the traditional flu.

The site also indicated a total of 918 confirmed swine flu cases in California, with 77 hospitalizations and six deaths. More than 60 swine flu deaths have been confirmed in the United States.

The outbreak in the U.S. is believed to be connected to an outbreak in Mexico. The first swine flu-related death in the U.S. came in late April. Cases of swine flu have been confirmed in more than 80 countries.

Walker said that with the winter flu season beginning soon in the southern hemisphere, health officials will be keeping a close eye on countries like Australia and South Africa to see how the colder weather affects the spread of the disease.

He said it’s likely the pandemic will still be going strong by the time our own flu season rolls around.

“This virus likes the cold and likes moisture,” Walker said. “We’ll be looking at what happens there and working hard to prepare for fall. We do not believe this is over.”

County health officials urged residents to protect themselves by practicing good hygiene, including frequent washing of hands, regular use of hand sanitizers and covering coughs and sneezes with sleeves or tissues.

“In addition, you should stay home when you are sick,” Walker said.

Symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of the normal flu, which include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches and fatigue. It is typically spread by direct contact with an infected person.

For information: www.stanemergency.com.