Health officials report first Ore. swine flu death

June 9, 2009

06/08/2009

Associated Press

Oregon has recorded its first death from swine flu, a n County woman who

had multiple underlying health conditions, state officials said Monday.

The unidentified woman died Sunday after being hospitalized for eight days, the

state Department of Human Services said.

The woman's other health conditions had " placed her at high risk for infection

and complications, " the agency said.

Nationwide, 28 people have died from swine flu, officials said.

In Oregon, they said, the number of reported cases is declining.

The state's most recent count shows that since the beginning of the outbreak 168

cases of swine flu had been confirmed in 13 counties — Clackamas, Clatsop,

Columbia, , Lane, Lincoln, Linn, n, Multnomah, Polk, Umatilla,

Washington and Yamhill.

n County health officials have investigated the case to identify who has

been exposed to this case, and to slow further transmission.

Even with the woman's death on Sunday, there is no indication that swine flu is

more dangerous than other strains of flu, state officials said. Strains of

seasonal flu affect an estimated one in 10 Oregonians each year, and account for

about 400 Oregon deaths and 36,000 deaths nationwide.

In Oregon, the largest numbers of reported swine flu cases were in Multnomah and

Polk counties, with 50 and 41 cases, respectively. Around the state, swine flu

infected people ranging in age from infants to 78 years, with the average age of

16.

" While flu activity overall continues to decrease in Oregon, we're still seeing

cases of (swine flu) circulating in our community, " said Dr. Mel Kohn, the

state's public health officer.

Public health officials urged people to wash hands frequently and take other

basic precautions to prevent the spread of flu.

People in high-risk groups — infants, pregnant women and people older than 65 —

should be seen by a doctor if they experience flu symptoms, Kohn said.

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