#15 A/H1N1 death reported in the UK

[Shiloh]

Source: http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/health/382597/First---039-healthy--039--swine-flu-death-in-UK

First 'healthy' swine flu death in UK

A patient in Essex has become the first person to die from swine flu in the UK without having previous health problems.

The person died at Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital on Friday, according to NHS East of England.

There have been 14 people who have previously died in the UK from swine flu, but these people all had 'underlying' health problems, such as pneumonia, asthma or a heart condition.

But medical experts are warning people not to panic. 'This doesn't change things at the moment,' said Professor Steve Field, chairman of the Royal College of General Practitioners. 'We would expect a certain number of deaths. I would have expected a death with no underlying causes to have happened earlier.'

The Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson added: 'As with all flu-like viruses, some people are at higher risk than others. Unfortunately, people who are otherwise healthy could also become seriously ill or, sadly, die

The patient's family has asked for details of their relative not to be released.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: #15 A/H1N1 death reported in the UK

Source: http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=264414


Swine flu: first death of British patient without underlying health problems
A swine flu patient at an Essex hospital has become the first person in Britain without underlying health problems to die from the infection.
By Matthew Moore
Published: 7:42PM BST 10 Jul 2009

The victim had been treated at Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust for nine days after presenting with the virus, but died this morning.

They are thought to be the fifteenth person in Briton to die after contracting swine flu, but the first where it was the sole cause of death.

Tens of thousands of Britons are now suffering from the virus, although most have shown only mild symptoms. Around 300 people in hospital, with 43 in a critical condition, according to recent figures.

The victim's family have asked their identity remains private, although it is understood that they were not a child or elderly ? considered two of the most vulnerable groups.

"The patient from Essex died at Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust on July 10," NHS East of England said in a statement.

"NHS East of England and Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like to extend their deepest sympathies to the family affected as they come to terms with their loss."

Liam Donaldson, the Government's chief medical officer, said: "This case tragically underlines that, although the virus is proving generally mild in most people, it is more severe in some cases."

"As with all flu like viruses, some people are at higher risk than others. Unfortunately, people who are otherwise healthy could also become seriously ill or, sadly, die."

Government ministers have now accepted that they cannot contain the pandemic, and people who suspect they may be infected are advised to stay at home and telephone their GP.

Epidemic levels of infection - defined as 200 cases per 100,000 people - are expected to be reached imminently in parts of the country including London. Official projections indicate that the number of cases could touch 100,000 a day by August.

Britain now has the third highest number of cases of swine flu in the world after America and Mexico, where the virus was first reported.

 

[mordan]

Re: #15 A/H1N1 death reported in the UK

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