The Texas Department of Health Services has reported the first death of a Texas resident from this virus:  a woman from Cameron County.  However, she also suffered from chronic underlying health problems as well.

The CDC has ceased recommending school closings, as the virus has resulted in less serious cases of the influenza as was first feared.  Numbers of confirmed cases have increased daily; however, the treatment of symptoms has been successful.  Problems of daycare and other issues have put a burden on parents of school children.  Local schools will make the final decision in regard to school closings.

Persons are still encouraged to take precautions to avoid catching or spreading this virus by continuing to take the common-sense approach, as is recommended by the experts:

• Cover your mouth when coughing;

• Cover your nose when sneezing; use your sleeve if you don’t have a tissue;

• Stay away from crowds

• Go to the doctor if you begin to have high fever and other flu-like symptoms;

• Stay at home if you are sick.  Do not spread the germs at work or school;

• Don’t use other persons’ phones, computers, or other equipment if they are ill.