Swine Flu Kills 7th Person in 3 Months
AP
A seventh person has died from swine flu.
Swine flu has caused the seventh death in Connecticut since late August and the first in Windham County since April.
The victim, who was between 25 and 49 years old, went to Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam last week with flu-like symptoms and never recovered, according to hospital officials and the Northeast Health District.
The person had an underlying medical condition, as did the six other patients who have died from the virus since Aug. 30.
There have been more than 400 confirmed cases since Aug. 30, the beginning of what officials are calling "wave 2." Officials warn that this is likely only a fraction of the cases because many people who have mild symptoms don't seek medical care.
Almost 2,000 people had confirmed cases of swine flu between April and Aug. 29 and 10 people died during the first wave of the virus.
Doctors at Day Kimball Hospital said they have seen an increase in the number of swine flu cases this month and they are requiring anyone who goes to the emergency room to wear a mask.
They are also considering opening a special wing of the hospital for flu patients.
"For the last three weeks or so, we've had a very large increase in the number of swine flu cases here at the ER and in pediatrician offices. It's been a large increase," Dr. Douglas Waite said.
The Northeast Health District is releasing no other details.
Posted Monday, Nov 16, 2009 - 5:39 PM EST
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