A 24-year-old woman, infected with the A/H1N1 virus, has died in a hospital in southern Poland. It is not known whether the virus was the cause of death, however.

The woman died this morning in a hospital in Zywiec. “It is not known whether the cause of death was the A/H1N1 virus, an infection or other illnesses,” said Katowice’s provincial sanitary inspector.

Three people have so far died in Poland of complications following contracting the swine flu virus.

Meanwhile, a 31-year old doctor from Kepno, southwest Poland, has been diagnosed with the virus. And a school in Koniakow in the Beskid Mountains became the first to be shut down in Poland due to the virus.

Health Minister Ewa Kopacz (right) tried to calm any growing concern in Poland by reminding that most infected with A/H1N1 have only mild, cold-like symptoms. Funds would be provided for flu vaccines, she said, but for the normal, seasonal variety only. She said health professionals will begin by targeting at risk groups, such as the elderly or pregnant women.

She also reminded that one in every 1000 patients suffering from influenza die every year in Poland. (pg)

source: IAR

updated 19.00