Swine Flu (H1N1 Virus) Claims One Life in U.S.

The swine flu or how it is now known as the H1N1 virus, has claimed one life in the United States. A 23-month-old Texas child has died from the virus. According to the acting director for the Centers of Disease Control and Preventation, Dr. Richard Besser, it is the first confirmed U.S. fatality. Even though right across the border in Mexico the H1N1 has claimed a suspected 159 lives. But now with nearly 100 confirmed cases in the US...what does that mean for Florida... With California, Kansas, New York City ,Ohio and Texas reporting cases of the swine flu could Florida be next? According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, the swine flu which is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.The Florida Department of Health Spokeswoman Susan Smith says that although cases have been reported across the US, as of right now there is no need to panic.Smith says the best way to prevent spreading the virus is practicing good hygiene. Smith urges everyone to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throwing away the tissue after you have used it. Washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. And using alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective. And finally, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth because that's the way germs spread. She says that although the symptoms are very similar to the flu itself. CBS correspondent Bob Fuss says that at the National level on Capital Hill everyone is being proactive. Fuss says experts believe this is just the beginning...He says the US government is taking all the precautions necessary to circumvent the virus. Fuss explains why most of the reported cases of the H1N1 virus have been in the city of New York...Fuss says there are a lot of misconceptions about the H1N1 virus that many people just don't understand. If you need more information on the H1N1 virus go to the CDC website.

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