Texas Confirms First Swine Flu Death of U.S. Resident
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Swine flu has claimed its first victim in the United States.
State health officials confirmed the first death of a Texan due to swine flu Tuesday -- and it's also the nation's second swine flu death.
Authorities said the woman -- who was in her 30's -- lived in Cameron County, along the border with Mexico, and had other, chronic health conditions.
Details on those conditions weren't immediately released.
The Texas Department of State Health Services said the woman died earlier this week.
Last week, a toddler boy from Mexico City died at a Houston hospital -- making him the first swine flu death in the U.S.
News of the woman's death comes while many North Texas students are being kept out of school -- a precaution to curtail the spread of H1N1 flu.
As of this writing, there are 40 districts or campuses that have been closed due to the threat of swine flu.
The Texas Education Agency has said districts may wish to use bad weather makeup days or extend the school year to make up for lost time. They may also apply for a waiver, which would allow them to shorten the number school days.
Last week, a boy from Mexico City died at a Houston hospital, marking the first swine flu death in the United States.
Copyright Associated Press / NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth
Posted Thursday, Jul 16, 2009 - 10:51 PM CST
