The St. Joseph/Buchanan County Health Department says the first case of the H1N1 virus, (many times referred to as the Swine Flu) in Buchanan County has been confirmed.

The health department says they were contacted by Heartland Regional Medical Center about the single case. The age, sex or condition of the patient was not released. The health department says the individual had contact with someone else who reportedly traveled to an affected area.

The case is being followed by Heartland and the health department. Both organizations say they are working closely with the Missouri Department Of Health And Senior Services also.

Including Buchanan County, the state of Missouri has stockpiled enough anti-viral medication to treat 600,000 cases of the H1N1 virus if needed. The public is reminded this medication is for those who have actually contracted the flu virus. it is not an immunization to prevent the flu strain.