Scotland reports 35th death, a child

[Roehl_JC]

A child has died after contracting swine flu, bringing the total number of H1N1 related deaths in Scotland to 35, health officials said.

The youngster, from Lanarkshire, had an underlying health condition.

The death came a day after official statistics showed the number of people in Scotland with swine flu has risen in the past week

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[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Scotland reports 35th death, a child

Child dies after catching swine flu



A child has died after contracting swine flu, bringing the total number of H1N1 related deaths in Scotland to 35, health officials said.

Child dies after catching swine flu

The youngster, from Lanarkshire, had an underlying health condition.

The death came a day after official statistics showed the number of people in Scotland with swine flu has risen in the past week.

About 21,500 people are estimated to have caught the H1N1 virus, up from about 17,487 the previous week, according to Health Protection Scotland.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon sent her condolences to the family of the child who died.

She said: "Any death is a tragedy for family and friends but even more so when a child is involved. My heart goes out to the child's family.

"Sadly this death highlights that H1N1 can cause severe complications, although - fortunately - it is a mild illness for most.

"People with underlying health conditions are at greater risk of complications which is why they are a priority group for vaccination."

NHS Scotland has received just under 550,000 doses of vaccine, about 40% of the total required for the 1.3 million people in priority groups.

Further information on the vaccine programme is available via the Scottish Swine Flu Vaccination Helpline on 08000 28 28 16.

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/21/20091113/thl-child-dies-after-catching-swine-flu-d831572.html