San Diego swine flu cases now at eight, Imperial remains at five

San Diego County now has eight confirmed cases of swine flu, more than any region in the state, county health officials said Wednesday as they announced three new cases.

The county also has seven probable cases officials said as they await the results of laboratory tests.

"We can't stress enough the basic steps the public can take to help contain the spread of this virus," said Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county's public health officer. Among those steps, she said: cover your mouth when sneezing, wash your hands frequently and stay home if you're sick.

Imperial County has five confirmed cases, officials said. San Diego and Imperial counties were the first locations in the country to report swine flu cases last week.

On Wednesday, both counties declared a health emergency, which will allow each to get reimbursement from the federal government for costs linked to the outbreak. But officials in San Diego and El Centro warned residents not to be frightened by the designation.

"This declaration is strictly precautionary," Imperial County Supervisor Wally Leimgruber said.

-- Tony Perry

Check out The Times interactive map on the spread of swine flu.