pablomorgan
Well-known member
SEATTLE - A Snohomish County man in his 30s has become the first Washington state resident to die from complications of swine flu, officials with the state Health Department said Saturday.
Health Department officials said the man, who had an underlying heart condition, died last week. His identity was not released.
It is the third confirmed death from swine flu in the United States, and the first one outside Texas.
The man reportedly began showing symptoms on April 30 and was treated with medications. He had viral pneumonia at the time of his death on May 6, but he also had swine flu, which is considered a factor in the death.
"This death is tragic. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this man's passing," said Gov. Chris Gregoire. "It's a sobering reminder that influenza is serious and can be fatal."
"I know our public health agencies are doing everything they can to track and monitor this outbreak and to protect the people of our state," Gregoire added.
While this marks the first death in Washington state related to swine flu, the case counts are expected to continue rising for some time to come, officials said.
"We're working with local and federal partners to track this outbreak," said Secretary of Health Mary Selecky. "And while most illnesses from this new flu strain have been fairly mild, we must remember that influenza claims about 36,000 lives every year nationwide. That's why we urge people to take this outbreak, and the seasonal flu we see every year, very seriously."
The new H1N1 strain of swine flu has been similar to seasonal flu in symptoms, spread, and response to treatment. Typically, people with existing health conditions are at greater risk of serious health effects from influenza.
http://www.kval.com/news/local/44649402.html
Health Department officials said the man, who had an underlying heart condition, died last week. His identity was not released.
It is the third confirmed death from swine flu in the United States, and the first one outside Texas.
The man reportedly began showing symptoms on April 30 and was treated with medications. He had viral pneumonia at the time of his death on May 6, but he also had swine flu, which is considered a factor in the death.
"This death is tragic. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this man's passing," said Gov. Chris Gregoire. "It's a sobering reminder that influenza is serious and can be fatal."
"I know our public health agencies are doing everything they can to track and monitor this outbreak and to protect the people of our state," Gregoire added.
While this marks the first death in Washington state related to swine flu, the case counts are expected to continue rising for some time to come, officials said.
"We're working with local and federal partners to track this outbreak," said Secretary of Health Mary Selecky. "And while most illnesses from this new flu strain have been fairly mild, we must remember that influenza claims about 36,000 lives every year nationwide. That's why we urge people to take this outbreak, and the seasonal flu we see every year, very seriously."
The new H1N1 strain of swine flu has been similar to seasonal flu in symptoms, spread, and response to treatment. Typically, people with existing health conditions are at greater risk of serious health effects from influenza.
http://www.kval.com/news/local/44649402.html