President of Costa Rica contracts H1N1 swine flu

August 12, 2009

Óscar Arias Sánchez, President of Costa Rica and 1987 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, appears to be the first head of state to be infected with the H1N1 influenza virus, commonly known as swine flu, official sources confirmed on Tuesday.

Arias tested positive for a mild case of the virus, Presidential Minister Rodrigo Arias said. The president's condition is stable, though he will be isolated at home for several days. "Apart from the fever and a sore throat, I feel well and in good shape to carry out my work by telecommuting. I expect to return to all my duties on Monday," Arias said in a statement.

According to the latest report from the Costa Rican health authorities, 27 patients have died from H1N1 flu and 798 were infected.