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Douglas County Reports First Swine Flu Death

By Lindsey Doi

 

ROSEBURG, Ore. -- The H1N1 virus has killed one person and has hospitalized another dozen in Douglas County since the beginning of September. Meanwhile, area schools are reporting a surge in the number of students out sick.

 

About 20% of the student population in Roseburg was out sick last week, and the school district is reporting some of the highest absentee rates they've ever seen. Though tests have not been conducted, health officials believe the majority of those students have swine flu.

 

So far, Douglas County has no plans to issue a state of emergency over the swine flu. Nearby Josephine County declared a state of emergency last week.

 

The Douglas County Health Department says it receives a shipment of vaccine about every week, and they plan on hosting public vaccination clinics in Roseburg and Reedsport for high-risk groups.