Swine flu responsible for death of pregnant Scottish teen
Swine flu is particularly dangerous for pregnant women who are being urged to take the vaccine when it becomes available.
A 17-year-old pregnant Scottish teen and her unborn child died yesterday in a Borders hospital after contracting the H1N1 virus. Health officials have not released additional information about the case out of concerns for the family’s privacy.
“This is a tragic situation and our deepest sympathies are with family and friends at this very sad time,” said Dr. Eric Baijal, the joint director for public health at NHS Borders.
“As investigations are currently ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”
The death occurs on the heels of a report showing that Scotland is seeing a drastic increase of swine flu cases. The report estimates that 5500 additional cases have been reported in Scotland in the last week. Additionally, the U.K. estimates an additional 4000 cases from the previous week.
In England, Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson said that the new cases represent the anticipated second wave of illnesses, but the rate of increase was far from the historically documented weekly doubling of previous pandemics.
Meanwhile, medical officials are urging pregnant women to obtain the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. “Medical experts have been telling us that pregnant women are more vulnerable to developing complications after contracting the virus,” said Scottish Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon.
“I would urge all pregnant women to get vaccinated to ensure the maximum protection for themselves and their babies. While there is no evidence to suggest that the virus is becoming any more dangerous for the public at large, this tragic death highlights that some groups are at greater risk and should take up the offer of vaccination.”
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