Mass deaths now number 10

[Shiloh]

Source: http://www.thebostonchannel.com/asseenon5/20228833/detail.html

3 More Deaths Linked To H1N1 In State
Victims' Names Not Released

POSTED: 5:06 pm EDT July 30, 2009
UPDATED: 5:14 pm EDT July 30, 2009

BOSTON -- Three more deaths in Massachusetts have been linked to the H1N1 flu, health officials announced Thursday.



The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported the deaths of a 53-year-old Essex County resident, a 20-year-old Norfolk County resident and a 21-year-old Hampden County resident.

All three residents had underlying health conditions that put them at greater risk of complications from the flu. This brings the total number of deaths related to H1N1 in Massachusetts to 10.

The deaths serve as a tragic reminder that flu can be serious for some people, officials said. Each year, seasonal influenza causes 250,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths nationally.

Certain groups of people are at higher risk of complications from the flu. These groups include: children under 2, adults over 65, pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease. These people should call their doctor immediately to discuss appropriate treatment if they develop a fever with a cough, sore throat or runny nose.

 

[appleblossom]

Re: Mass deaths now number 10

Swine flu claims Springfield resident

by The Republican Newsroom
Friday July 31, 2009, 9:31 AM


SPRINGFIELD - A 21-year-old Springfield resident is the first Hampden County resident to die of swine flu related complications.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health on Thursday announced the death of the Hampden County resident, along with the deaths of a 53-year-old Essex County resident and a 20-year-old Norfolk County resident. The fatalities raise the number of deaths related to the swine flu to 10 in Massachusetts.

The Springfield resident actually died July 23 at Baystate Medical Center. Helen R. Caulton-Harris, director of the city Department of Health and Human Services, said swine flu was a contributing factor in the death and that the patient had other underlying medical conditions.

The other two people had health conditions which increased their risk of complications also, according to the state Department of Health.

Caulton-Harris also said a federal regulation relating to privacy precluded her from identifying the Springfield victim.

Caulton-Harris and the Department of Public Health reminded the public of precautions that can be taken to help stop the spread of flu, including frequent hand washing with soap and warm water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer; and covering a cough with tissue or coughing into the inner elbow and not the hands.

Anyone suffering from flu-like symptoms who also suffers from a chronic medical condition should see his or her primary care physician, Caulton-Harris said.

http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/07/swine_flu_claims_springfield_r.html?category=Springfield