Monday, April 27, 2009

Man Who Shook Obama's Hand Didn't Die of Swine Flu

Rumor control. Felipe Solis, who shook Obama's hand, didn't die of swine flu contrary to this story floating rumors. See White House statement below. 
A man who shook Barack Obama's hand in Mexico died the next day from symptoms similar to those of swine flu.

The White House insisted the President's health was not in any danger, but he was said to be taking the threat of an epidemic 'very seriously'.

The President's health advisers were already concerned about his visit south of the border after learning the contagious virus first struck in Mexico City on April 13 - three days before Mr Obama flew in to meet government officials.

Their alarm grew after learning that Felipe Solis, director of the National Anthropology Museum, had died from pneumonia. Daily Mail
From the White House:
Statement from Ricardo Alday, Spokesman for the Mexican Embassy to the United States of America:

"Mr. Felipe Solís, Director of Mexico’s National Anthropology Museum died on April 23rd, a week after he welcomed Presidents Obama and Calderón at the Museum. He died of complications of a preexisting condition and not of swine flu."