There is a second case of swine flu in Orange County, officials with the state said Friday.

The State Public Health Laboratory notified Orange County Health Department of an Orange County resident with laboratory confirmed novel influenza A (H1N1).

It's the second confirmed case for Orange County and the 21st confirmed case in North Carolina.

Public health officials have conducted case interviews and identified and notified all the close contacts that may have been exposed to H1N1.

The Centers for Disease Control defines ‘close' contact for H1N1 as being less than 6 feet away from the sick person. Close contacts will be asked to monitor themselves for flu symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue) and contact their medical provider if symptoms occur.

"We are confident that all contacts have been made aware of their possible H1N1 exposure and are taking the necessary precautions to stay well. We are limited in the specifics we can share regarding the case, but can say the adult is recovering and self-isolating at home, is not a healthcare worker and unrelated to our first H1N1 case announced May 22," said Dr. Rosemary Summers, Orange County Health Director.

Officials said the flu isn't going away and people should still be aware of it and take precautions.

H1N1 is spread thorough respiratory droplets. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person travel through the air and enter the mouth or nose of people or land on objects nearby. The health department recommends practicing consistent respiratory etiquette (covering coughs and sneezes with tissue) and proper hand washing. Clean commonly touched surfaces often. And avoid contact with people who have flu-like symptoms.

Health officials said it is not common to have flu-like illness in the summer.

"If you develop flu symptoms consult with your medical provider. Stay home from work, school, church or social gatherings for 7 days after start of illness or until at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved whichever is longer," said Judy Butler, RN, Community Health Services Supervisor, Orange County Health Department.

For more information visit http://www.co.orange.nc.us/health/index.asp for the latest Orange County information and http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ for Centers for Disease Control H1N1 updates. Residents with general questions about H1N1 can call the 24-hour NC Care Line at 1-800-662-7030 (English and Spanish) or 1-877-452-2514 (TTY).