US Sees 2nd Flu Death; CDC Eases Up on Schools

Texas health officials said today that a US woman who lived near the Mexico border has died from swine flu—the second death in the nation and first of a US resident, USA Today reports. The news, however, comes amid continued confidence that the H1N1 virus remains relatively mild here, and the Centers for Disease Control reversed guidelines saying that schools should close if they have suspected or confirmed cases.

Few details were available about the Texas woman’s death, except that she had chronic health problems beyond the flu. Meanwhile, CDC acting chief Richard Besser said schools no longer need to shut down for two weeks when cases emerge. He said, however, that parents should continue to keep an eye on their kids and keep them home if they show symptoms. (More swine flu stories.)