Arkansas reports first death from A/H1N1 flu

The victim was a 46-year-old woman who died early Saturday at a Little Rock hospital and was confirmed on Monday that she had A/H1N1 flu virus, according to Garland Camper, Pulaski County Coroner.

    Arkansans is one of few states that have reported no deaths and few confirmed cases of the A/H1N1 flu virus in the past four months.

    As of July 24, when the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported the last counting of conformed and probable cases of the A/H1N1 flu in all states, Arkansas had 131 confirmed cases of the new virus in 42 of its 75 counties.

    However, the state health department said that a death from complications of influenza in the state does not change the precautionary measures that all Arkansans should take to prevent getting the disease.

    Health officials urge Arkansans to get both seasonal flu shot and the A/H1N1 flu shot when they are available. They also ask people to remember the three Cs: Clean - properly wash your hands frequently; Cover - cover your cough and sneeze; Contain - contain your germs by staying home if you are sick, Kazinform cites Xinhua. See www.chinaview.cn for full version.