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A 26-year-old WA man, who had a number of serious medical conditions, and had
tested positive for the Human Swine Influenza virus, died in hospital in South
Australia yesterday afternoon.
WA Department of Health Chief Health Officer Dr Tarun Weeramanthri confirmed
that this man was a resident of Kiwirrkurra - a remote community of about 300
people close to the Northern Territory border in the Ngaanyatjarra Lands.
“I would like to offer our sincere condolences to the man’s
family and to his community,” Dr Weeramanthri said.
The Department of Health will be sending a public health team to the community
early next week. This team will support the local health staff to make an assessment
of the situation and also bring in some extra antiviral drugs and masks.
“Our current information is that there is no increase in the presentation
of influenza-like illnesses to the local clinic but we want to confirm that
and make an assessment of the situation in the community and the surrounding
lands,” Dr Weeramanthri said.
It is not yet known how the man came into contact with the virus.
“We do not have a complete history of this man's movements over
the past three weeks. Public Health staff are attempting to gather this information,”
he said.
“It is important to remember that human swine flu is mild in the
vast majority of cases and most people make a rapid and full recovery.”
People with existing medical conditions are more vulnerable to the severe effects
of the disease. These conditions include cardiovascular, renal and respiratory
diseases and asthma — pregnant women are also more vulnerable.
“We are advising people who have an influenza-like illness to avoid
large gatherings including sport, family or community events. People in high
risk groups should also reconsider attending such gatherings.”
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listed below on 22 June 2009
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