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NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan — The U.S. military in Japan’s first confirmed case of H1N1 influenza, or swine flu, was discovered last week at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, U.S. Forces Japan officials said Thursday.

The servicemember entered Japan through Narita Airport on June 8, but showed no H1N1 symptoms until June 11, officials said. USFJ officials would not identify the servicemember due to privacy reasons.

"After a positive Rapid Screen test for Influenza A, a confirmatory specimen was sent to a U.S. lab," Maj. Neil Murphy said in an e-mail to Stars and Stripes.

According to Murphy, the servicemember and family were asked to remain in voluntary isolation until final lab results were available and appropriate medical care rendered.

"As a result of basic measures as well as the appropriate medical care provided, the servicemember has already recovered, and the family did not become ill," he said. "It was determined that they were healthy and home isolation was ended."

Murphy said upon the H1N1 confirmation, the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo notified the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"We understand that appropriate measures were taken," said an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Status of Forces Division. "We have worked closely [with the U.S. military]."

Misawa Air Base recently stepped up its precautionary efforts by adding a traveler health screening process for all inbound international travelers.

According to the latest statistics released by the World Health Organization, Japan has reported 605 confirmed H1N1 influenza cases, but no resulting deaths.

Stars and Stripes reporter Hana Kusumoto contributed to this story.

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