MOH has recorded the first swine flue death case in the Kingdom. The victim, a 30 year old Saudi male from the Eastern Province, was admitted to a private hospital in Dammam on Wednesday 29/07/1430 complaining from high fever, continuous coughing, throat pain, and respiratory difficulties. Preliminary checkups revealed severe bronchitis and in spite of receiving antibiotics, his case worsened during his first 8 hours of admission. He was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), but his case worsened further till he died on Saturday 03/08/1430 at 5:55am.
Case study has revealed the diseased was obese and had been in contact with a swine flue patient during the period prior to his death and further analysis has confirmed he has been infected with swine flue.
It is worth notifying here that occurrence of a death case is predictable taken into consideration the swift spreading of the disease throughout the world. The mortality rate from the current swine flue epidemic is still low compared to the mortality occurring from the normal flue virus.
MOH extends its sincere condolences to the family of the victim, may his soul rest in peace.
The media will be provided with all information regarding the developments of the epidemic in the Kingdom and the whole public is urged to abide by the announcements issued by MOH.
A free toll phone number (8002494444) has been allotted for answering the queries relative to the epidemic and providing the public with the precautions taken by MOH fro controlling it.