Costa Rica’s President Arias resumes duties after recovering from H1N1 virus

Costa Rican President Oscar Arias will fully resume his duties Tuesday after recovering from a mild case of H1N1 flu, the government said Monday.

Arias is the only known head of state to have contracted the virus – initially called swine flu – showing signs of low fever, sore throat and headaches. The 68-year-old leader belongs to a higher-risk category because he suffers from asthma.

After it was announced a week ago, Arias stayed home but reportedly continued to work from his San José residence.

The president is expected to attend the inauguration Tuesday of the National Center of Biotechnological Innovation.

Nearly 1,000 people in Costa Rica have been confirmed to be carrying H1N1 and 28 people have died, according to the Health Ministry.

The flu has hit most of the country´s seven provinces and infected people of all ages. Pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are most vulnerable.