U.S. Congressman contracts H1N1 Swine Flu

Oregon Republican Congressman Greg Walden released a message through Twitter on Tuesday to declare his doctor confirmed he has the H1N1 Swine Flu Virus.

A Republican Representative issued an announcement on Tuesday that he “likely” has the Swine Flu, according to CNN. This is the first public instance where a Washington legislator has contracted the virus, although many children of Congressman and women have caught H1N1. In a message through Twitter, Greg Walden stated, “Just diagnosed with likely H1N1. Ugh. Off to seclusion for awhile.” A spokesperson for Walden, Andrew Whelan, told AFP, “He’s at home and he’s resting.” According to Whelan, Walden was fine when he arrived at work; however, he became worse as the day went on. A few weeks ago he received the seasonal flu vaccine but not the H1N1 vaccination. Now Walden will take the doctor’s orders to “get some rest and take it easy.” Other cases may continue to persist in Washington as Senate and House pages have exhibited flu-like symptoms in Illinois Democratic Congresswoman Melissa Bean. She did not go to a H1N1 prevention event in her home state as her 16-year-old daughter and husband were diagnosed with the virus, according to Fox News.