Newton County has its first confirmed case of the H1N1 virus in an 8-year-old girl according to a representative from the Georgia Department of Human Resources.

The child is not a student in Newton County schools but has been linked to the cluster of confirmed cases from Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy in Henry County which is being called a "mild influenza-like cluster."

State Health Risk Communicator Belen Moran said that the child’s case is very mild and that she has not had to be hospitalized for the illness.

"The good thing is that we have enough information to now treat it as we would the seasonal flu," said Moran.

She reiterated the importance of basic prevention methods, saying that the best way to prevent contracting the virus is basic hygiene and common sense.

"It sounds simple but it is effective," she said. "Cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze, wash your hands, if you feel sick, call a doctor… Just be aware and keep healthy habits and that will help everyone stay healthy."