TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - State health officials say 77 people have died from swine flu in Florida.

The Florida Department of Health spokeswoman Susan Smith released the H1N1 death toll Wednesday.

She also confirmed that Florida now has widespread swine flu. The change in Florida's status from regional flu activity to widespread activity can be viewed on the Web site of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Smith says the change in Florida's status is not a cause for alarm. She attributes it to school starting.

Health officials are urging Floridians to seek medical help if they feel sick, to wash hands frequently, practice good hygiene and to stay home if they feel ill.
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ON THE NET: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/

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