WORLD> Asia-Pacific
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.

 Related readings:
Philippines reports first death from H1N1 flu A(H1N1) Influenza Outbreak

Related readings:
Philippines reports first death from H1N1 flu China produces first A/H1N1 flu vaccines
Philippines reports first death from H1N1 flu Guangdong school closed as 30 pupils get H1N1
Philippines reports first death from H1N1 flu Chicago H1N1 flu couple say 'I do'
Philippines reports first death from H1N1 flu Macao records first case of A (H1N1)
Philippines reports first death from H1N1 flu Brazil finds new strain of H1N1 virus
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).