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Philippines reports first death from H1N1 flu

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-06-22 21:50

MANILA: A 49-year-old woman infected with Influenza A(H1N1) died in the Philippines last week, the country's first fatality related to the novel flu virus, health officials said on Monday.

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However, the authorities said that it is yet be confirmed if the patient -- who also had heart and liver diseases -- died of the A(H1N1) virus.

The woman was not found positive for the virus by the Philippine Department of Health until last Saturday, one day after she died. The patient's family reported to health officials on her flu symptoms before her death, which prompted an A(H1N1) test, Health Secretary Francisco Duque told reporters.

"She presented flu signs on June 17, such as dry cough, chills and difficulty in breathing just before (her) death on June 19," said the health chief.

Although the patient tested positive for A(H1N1), Duque said that his department could not conclude that her death was caused by Influenza A(H1N1).