Swine Flu Death Is First in Florida

Sandy Grinnell

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The Florida Department of Health has reported the first death in Florida attributed to the swine flu. A nine-year old boy from South Florida was the first of the 417 reported cases to have succumbed to the H1N1 virus.

Surgeon General Dr. Ana Viamonte Ros reported:

"While most cases of H1N1 swine flu are mild, there are exceptions like this tragic case. Nationally, the CDC is reporting 45 deaths associated with swine flu, and as the flu progresses that number will unfortunately rise."

The World Health Organization is calling the spread of the H1N1 virus a pandemic, meaning that it has now spread world-wide. The strain of the flu is not as deadly as it was originally thought and travellers around the globe can help stop the pandemic by taking the following precautions:

• Wash hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.
• Stay home from work or school if you have a respiratory illness.
• Anyone who thinks he or she has influenza should call their doctor.