1st death linked to new swine flu is 61-year-old Ohio woman

COLUMBUS (AP)

Health officials say the death of a 61-year-old central Ohio woman is the first associated with a new swine flu strain.

The Ohio Department of Health says the Madison County woman died this week. It says she had underlying medical conditions, but the H3N2v influenza virus may have contributed to her death.

She became ill after having contact with hogs at the Ross County fair.

Ohio has 102 cases of the virus in people from 6 months to 61 years old, many linked to contact with hogs at fairs. The state health director says most have been mild illnesses.

He’s urging at-risk groups to avoid swine exhibits and take other precautions. Those groups include young children, older residents, pregnant woman and people with weakened immune systems or underlying medical conditions.