The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed the state's first death related to swine-origin influenza (H1N1). The Snohomish County man in his 30s died Wednesday, May 6, after suffering flu-like symptoms.


Testing completed May 9 by DOH confirmed the link to H1N1, while an autopsy also shows the man suffered from underlying heart disease.


"This unfortunate death is consistent with the two other confirmed H1N1 deaths in Texas, where both suffered underlying health issues," said Dr. Gary Goldbaum, health officer and director of the Snohomish Health District. "This death reminds us that influenza can be a very serious illness, especially if a person has underlying health problems."


While Snohomish County remains prepared to handle future cases, residents should take appropriate precautions to prevent the spread of H1N1, said Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon.


"While most symptoms related to this virus are mild," Reardon warned, "people must not become complacent about an illness we're still trying to understand."


Goldbaum reiterated Saturday that most cases of H1N1 do not require medical attention. Still, the number of cases in Washington state and Snohomish County are expected to continue increasing.


Flu symptoms often include fever, muscle aches, cough and sometimes trouble breathing. It's important for people who are sick with flu-like symptoms to stay home and only go to a health care provider if they become seriously ill. The best thing people can do is to pay attention to their own health. If children are sick, keep them out of school or day care until they're well.


For updated information regarding the swine flu threat, visit the Snohomish Health District's Web site at www.snohd.org. The county has also created a Facebook page at tinyurl.com/ct4uj9, and information is also posted on Twitter by searching for Snohomish County DEM or Snohomish Health District.

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