First King County death from swine flu

By CHRIS GRYGIEL, SEATTLEPI

An elderly Seattle man has died from complications from H1N1 influenza – swine flu – becoming the first reported death in King County.

The person who died June 11 was in his 70s, had underlying heath conditions and had been hospitalized.

“This death is a tragic development, and our hearts go out to the family,” said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “H1N1 flu can have very serious consequences, and we continue to closely monitor the disease. Since we are seeing a declining number of new, serious infections, we are now intensively planning and preparing for the anticipated return of the virus in the fall.”

Forty-seven people have been hospitalized and 524 people have been confirmed with H1N1 influenza in King County, according to health officials.

The World Health Organization last week declared H1N1 as a pandemic, meaning that the disease has spread widely around the world. The declaration is based on geographic spread of the virus, not on the severity of the illness.

Public Health – Seattle & King County is making cutbacks like many other county and city departments and officials worry about having enough money to deal with swine flu should it return with a vengeance.

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