First death linked to new swine flu is Ohio woman, 61

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Health officials say the death of a 61-year-old Ohio woman is the first associated with a new swine flu strain.

The Ohio Department of Health says the woman died this week. It says that she had other medical conditions but that the H3N2v influenza virus may have contributed to her death.

She was not identified but lived in Madison County. She became ill after contact with hogs at the Ross County Fair.

Federal health authorities report 288 cases of the strain this summer. The state health director says most of Ohio's cases have been mild.

He's urging at-risk groups to avoid swine exhibits and take other precautions. Those groups include young children, older residents, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems or other medical conditions.