H1N1 was not a cause of San Juan Island woman’s death

The H1N1 virus was not a contributing factor to the unexpected death of a 33-year-old San Juan Island woman on Nov. 12. The county communications office reported Friday that results of the H1N1 test performed on the woman were negative. "A cause of death is not expected to be announced until next month when the results of tests are completed and analyzed," the Communications Office reported.

November 23, 2009 12:29 pm

The H1N1 virus was not a contributing factor to the unexpected death of a 33-year-old San Juan Island woman on Nov. 12.

The county communications office reported Friday that results of the H1N1 test performed on the woman were negative.

“A cause of death is not expected to be announced until next month when the results of tests are completed and analyzed,” the Communications Office reported.

Because the woman’s death was unexpected, the county coroner ordered an autopsy to determine cause of death. The county health officer requested an H1N1 test to determine if the virus, also known as swine flu, was a factor.

As of Nov. 13, there have been five reported confirmed cases of H1N1 virus in San Juan County and one confirmed hospitalization related to H1N1. However, health officials say there could have been more cases of H1N1, because more than 95 percent of the flu circulating in the state this year is H1N1.