WASHINGTON, May 9 (Reuters) - A Washington state resident with the new H1N1 swine flu died last week, state health officials said on Saturday.
A man in his 30s who lived in Snohomish County and had underlying heart conditions died last week with what health officials said appeared to be complications from the new flu strain. This is the first death in the state succumbed to the virus, according to a statement issued by the Washington State Department of Health.
"This death is tragic. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this man's passing," Governor Chris Gregoire said in the statement. "It's a sobering reminder that influenza is serious, and can be fatal. I know our public health agencies are doing everything they can to track and monitor this outbreak and to protect the people of our state."