July 13, 2009

scientists comment on latest deaths from swine flu

Scientists give their expert opinion on the latest deaths from swine flu in the UK – a family doctor and a six-year-old girl – taking the UK total of confirmed and suspected deaths to 17.

Prof Wendy Barclay, Chair in Influenza Virology, Imperial College London, said:

“The news of two more deaths from swine flu is very sad. With so many people becoming infected we must expect that some fatalities will occur. Nonetheless it is very important to keep a careful look for clusters of severe cases that might indicate that a mutated virus has arisen that can be more virulent than the swine flu that has circulated until now. Each severe or fatal case should be carefully characterized using our best science to understand the reasons why this has happened.”

Prof Ian Jones, Director of Research, University of Reading, said:

“All respiratory infections are potentially serious, as these sad cases remind us. However, we have to be careful not to conclude that the death of an individual with swine flu is a death because of swine flu. Until any underlying health issues are known such a conclusion would be premature.”