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Va.'s 2nd Swine Flu-Related Death Recorded in Arlington

Man's cause of death not yet confirmed

Wednesday, Jul 1, 2009 | Updated 7:00 PM EST

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Va.'s 2nd Swine Flu-Related Death Recorded in Arlington

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Though it's not as scary as many originally thought, the swine flu is still deadly.

RICHMOND, Va.-- Virginia health officials have confirmed the second death in the state related to the swine flu.

While the cause of death has not been confirmed, the H1N1 virus appears to have been a factor, State Health Commissioner Karen Remley said Wednesday. The male patient in the Arlington Health District had an underlying medical condition that put him at greater risk of complications from the flu. The patient's name has not been revealed.

Virginia's first swine flu-related death was confirmed in the Chesapeake Health District in early June.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 127 deaths caused nationally by the swine flu.

People with underlying chronic health conditions, pregnant women, the elderly and the very young are at a higher risk for complications from the H1N1 virus. Remley advised people to take the normal precautions against the flu, such as limiting contact with sick people and not touching ones eyes, nose or mouth.