Pinal County Public Health officials received confirmation Thursday that a 64-year-old woman who died last week was positive for the H1N1 virus.
According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, the woman had underlying health conditions and was being treated for pneumonia at the time of her death.
The death is the fifth statewide related to the H1N1 virus and the second death involving a resident of Pinal County.
The first child to die from swine flu in Arizona was a 13-year-old boy from Tucson who died May 15.
A Maricopa County woman in her late 40s, a 57-year-old Pinal County woman and a preteen girl living in Pima County also died from complications of swine flu in late May.
The total number of confirmed cases in Arizona is 580 as of Thursday afternoon.
“Prevention is a key component to disease control,” says Tom Schryer, Director of Pinal County Public Health. “One of the best things you can do is to frequently wash your hands with soap and warm running water for at least 15 to 30 seconds. People who are sick with flu-like symptoms should stay home for at least seven days to minimize contact with the public. If you have to cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose and promptly dispose of used tissues.”
The AZDHS says the symptoms of swine flu are similar to other forms of influenza and can include sore throat, coughing, fever, chills, fatigue or head and body aches. Diarrhea and vomiting may also occur.
The H1N1 virus strain currently being monitored in the United States is a new type of virus never seen in people until it was discovered recently. Influenza viruses are constantly changing and evolving, which is why researchers develop new flu vaccines each year.
