Oregon Public Broadcasting

Health officials in Lane County have recorded their first death from swine flu.

The agency wouldn’t release the patient’s name, but says a woman who suffered other chronic health problems, died from the H1N1 virus at home on Sunday.

State epidemiologist, Dr. Mel Kohn, says six of the eight people who’ve died of swine flu in Oregon so far, have had other health problems.

Mel Kohn: “Three of them had a history of cancer, other underlying health problems we’ve seen include some lung disease, obesity and high blood pressure. But two of the deaths did not have any underlying illnesses. And so even healthy people are still at risk and should be taking appropriate precautions to stay healthy.”

So far, 74 people have been hospitalized in Oregon because of the H1N1 influenza virus.

The state has organized a summit to discuss the upcoming flu season in Salem on August 21st.