BUTLER CO., Ohio -- The first confirmed H1N1 death in Ohio is in Butler County.

The Ohio Department of Health said the victim is a 46-year-old man from Hamilton.

This is the first Ohio death linked to the pandemic strain of influenza.

The patient had underlying health problems that may have contributed to his death.

News Center 7 was told that the man began suffering from flu-like symptoms on June 21 and was treated at Fort Hamilton Hospital, where he died on Monday.

Ohioans should take the following actions to help stay healthy:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

Stay home if you get sick to limit contact with others and the spread of disease.

As of Wednesday, ODH was reporting 108 confirmed and six probable H1N1 cases to date; for more information, please visit www.odh.ohio.gov or call the toll-free H1N1 information line at 1-866-800-1404 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; the line will not be staffed Friday, July 3.