Ohio recording it's first death associated with the swine flu. The Department of Health reports a woman in Madison County passed away this week from the H3N2v influenza virus, and she'd tested positive for the virus after coming into direct contact with swine at the Ross County Fair.

The woman, 61, also had other medical conditions but doctors said the infection "may have contributed" to her death.

Ohio has 102 reported cases of the swine flu; Butler, Champaign and Galia County have the highest number of cases.

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(Ohio Department of Health) The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) today announced the first known H3N2v-associated death. The 61-year-old female Madison County resident passed away earlier this week. Testing at the Ohio Department of Health Laboratory confirmed that the individual had been infected with the H3N2v influenza virus. The patient had multiple other underlying medical conditions, but the influenza virus may have contributed to the death.

The individual had direct contact with swine at the Ross County fair before becoming ill. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the main risk factor for infection is direct exposure to swine. CDC points out that the virus does not spread easily from person-to-person, but limited human-to-human infection has occurred.

“H3N2v, like many other viruses, has the greatest potential to impact those with weakened immune systems,” said Dr. Ted Wymyslo, Director of ODH. “We have been seeing a mild illness in most individuals infected with the H3N2v virus, so there’s no need for alarm. However, it is important for those at-risk individuals to take extra precautions like avoiding swine exhibits to protect themselves.”

Ohio is currently reporting 102 cases of H3N2v statewide. Those with confirmed cases of H3N2v are between the ages of 6 months and 61 years old. Most ill individuals have recovered on their own or were treated and released after a short stay in the hospital.