Six swine flu sufferers die in West Midlands
Six people in the West Midlands, a child and five adults, have now died after testing positive for swine flu, it has been revealed.
NHS West Midlands health authority announced the death of three more patients as the new National Pandemic Flu Service, capable of answering more than a million calls a week, was launched.
But the website crashed within half an hour from the surge in interest from patients.
A Midlands health official said the only child affected was six-year-old schoolgirl Sameerah Ahmad, of Gillott Road, Edgbaston, who died at Birmingham Children’s Hospital on June 29, suffering with severe rare condition Microvillus Inclusion Disease, which affects the lining of the small intestine.
She added that five adult cases, one from Walsall, were now also under further investigation to ascertain the cause of death, four of which were believed to have had serious underlying health conditions.
There are currently 82 people with a positive swine flu test or symptoms being treated in hospitals across West Midlands, with four in intensive care units.
Dr Rashmi Shukla, regional director of Public Health, said: “Our thoughts are with the families of the patients who have died at this very sad time.
“Whilst tragic for all involved, these cases should be kept in context with the many people who have had swine flu and recovered after just a few days of experiencing mild illness.
“We wish to take this opportunity to remind the public that for most people this is not a serious illness and that they should start to feel better after a few days without needing to go to their GP or A&E.
“For some people, including those with other serious medical conditions, it may be a more serious illness when a virus like this is circulating.
