Fifth Swine Flu-Related Death Reported
By H. HUGHES
Updated 12:16 PM PST, Thu, Jul 9, 2009
A 36-year-old man is the fifth person to die of the swine flu (Novel H1N1 Influenza) virus in San Diego County, the Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) confirmed Thursday. His death was associated with the illness, although he also had underlying health issues. He died on Saturday, July 4th.
"We want to send our thoughts and sympathies to the family of this individual," said Dr. Wilma Wooten, San Diego County Public Health Officer. "We again remind all San Diego County residents to continue to be vigilant about using common-sense steps to prevent the spread of this flu by covering their coughs and sneezes, washing their hands frequently and properly and, most importantly, staying home if they are sick."
The pandemic is widespread throughout the county, said Wooten. "It's not uncommon that the virus will be seen in congregate situations like camps, long-term care facilities or other places where large numbers of people reside or gather."
A 50-year-old woman was the fourth local to die from flu-related symptoms. As of July 7, the California Department of Health reported 1,658 cases of Swine Flu, including 23 deaths. San Diego County has 531 confirmed cases and five deaths as of Thursday. Statewide, more than two dozen people have died of the swine flu this year.
For information regarding the swine flu virus, visit the County website.
First Published: Jul 9, 2009 11:36 AM PST
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