The Minnesota Department of Health reported Friday morning a second probable case of  H1N1 influenza, commonly referred to as "swine flu," was identified in Minnesota. A sample from the patient, of Isanti County, was sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta for confirmation testing.

MDH characterizes "probable" cases as being ones identified having influenza A, but the strain cannot be confirmed by MDH labs. According to a news release, the department is hoping to receive specific laboratory tests for the novel strain of H1N1 virus from the CDC soon.

The first case of H1N1 virus in Minnesota was confirmed Thursday morning in an individual from Stearns County with ties to the Rocori Middle School.  Neither patient had to be hospitalized and expect to make a full recovery.

Pick up Monday’s Minnesota Daily for a student’s guide to H1N1 influenza