First death of swine flu in Cà Mau

CÀ MAU — The southernmost province of Cà Mau on Wednesday confirmed the first death caused by swine flu in the province this year.

Trần Văn Thời district medical centre announced that Trần Văn Chắc, 69, was admitted to Cà Mau General Hospital on June 28 wit symptoms of fever and coughing. He passed away three days later.

Test results by HCM City’s Pasteur Institute on Wednesday were positive for AH1N1 influenza virus.

Medical officials are treating an area of 400 metres around the patient’s house with chemicals to prevent a further flu outbreak. His family members are also encouraged to pay close attention to any symptoms.

Since the start of the swine flu season in May, there have been three deaths in HCM City and two deaths in Bến Tre.

Swine flu is seasonal and can cause pneumonia, sepsis and other fatal consequences. Its ability to spread through the air makes it particularly dangerous. — VNS