Philadelphia Woman Dies of Swine Flu
First swine flu death recorded in the city
By TAMARA VOSTOK
Updated 4:50 PM EST, Mon, Jun 8, 2009
Swine flu claimed the life of a Philadelphian woman Sunday, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health’s Division of Disease Control reported.
This is the first fatality in the city and the second in the state. A 55-year-old Berks County woman died of swine flu last week.
Seventy cases of swine flu were confirmed in Philadelphia, 11 cases are listed as probable, according to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.
Case counts have increased in our area affecting mostly children and their close contacts. And hospitals, schools and workplaces reported more people are sick with flu-like symptoms, the health department said.
“Philadelphians who have the flu can help stop its spread by staying home from work or school for at least one week, and until they are completely well. Staying home when you are sick, and keeping ill children home from school and childcare programs will help keep the flu from spreading, and protect the health of the community,” Health Commissioner Donald F. Schwarz said.
Symptoms of swine flu are similar to the seasonal flu strains we see each year-- Fever greater than 100 degrees, body aches, coughing, sore throat, respiratory congestion and in some cases diarrhea and vomiting.
First Published: Jun 8, 2009 10:39 AM EST
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