Virginia Health Officials Report First Swine Flu Death

The Virginia Department of Health has confirmed that a resident of the state has died from the H5N1 swine flu.

According to the statement the woman haled from the Chesapeake Health District in South East Virginia, and had underlying health conditions.

Many of the deaths to be reported as a result of swine flu have been in people who have also had underlying health conditions that have made their chances of recovery impossible.

So far across America the CDC has confirmed 18 deaths attributed to the swine flu that has infected more than 18,000 the world over.

“The news today that the Commonwealth has witnessed its first death associated with the H1N1 influenza virus is a sad and sharp reminder that Virginians must remain vigilant against the spread of this potentially fatal illness,” said Governor Kaine in a statement. “My heart goes out to the family and friends of the young woman who passed away this afternoon in Chesapeake.”