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First Swine Flu Death Reported In Ohio
< < Back toThe Ohio Department of Health announced Friday that the first person known to have died from swine-flu had contact with pigs at the Ross County fair before becoming ill.
The 61-year-old Madison County woman died earlier this week.
The state's health department reports the woman had other underlying medical conditions, but the flu virus may have contributed to the death.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists the main risk factor for infection of the illness as direct exposure to swine.
There are currently 102 cases of swine flu reported statewide. Around Southeast Ohio, Athens County had had 8 reported cases, Fairfield County 1 case, Gallia County had 12 cases and Ross County has had 7 cases.
Health officials recommend the following precautions:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and running water before and after exposure to animals;
- Never eat, drink or put things in your mouth in animal areas, and don’t take food or drink into animal areas;
- Leave baby strollers parked outside of areas with pigs;
- Young children, pregnant women, people 65 and older and people with weakened immune systems should be extra careful around animals;
- If you have animals – including swine – watch them for signs of illness and call a veterinarian if you suspect they might be sick;
- Avoid close contact with animals that look or act ill, when possible;
- Avoid contact with swine if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms.