Second US Swine Flu Death

It has been confirmed by the health authorities that a woman in Texas died earlier this week from the swine flu. It was also stated that she had underlying health conditions though was not elaborated. This is the second US death from the swine flu outbreak, the first being a toddler that had traveled from Mexico to Texas.

There are now over 400 cases of H1N1 swine flu over 38 states in the US. Officials are expecting over the next days and weeks the swine flu to spread although thus far hasn't been severe and like the regular seasonal flu.

Man Infects Swine Flu To Pigs In Canada

A farm worker has infected a herd of pigs with H1N1 swine flu on a farm in Western Canada. The worker had recently traveled to Mexico and fell ill with H1N1 swine flu upon his return. When he returned to work on the farm in mid-April, 8 to 10 days later the pigs showed signs of sickness. All of the pigs were quarantined and have since recovered as the infection was mild. The farm worker also has recovered from the illness.

This is the first case of human to animal transmission of the H1N1 swine flu and according to the WHO food safety scientist, Peter Ben Embarek, it's not a big surprise because it's expected pigs could get infected in areas where the virus is circulating.

There is concern that with back and forth transmission between humans and animals that the H1N1 influenza A virus can mutate.