Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Death of NZ man in Canada linked to swine flu

Updated at 7:59 am on 5 September 2009

Canadian health authorities say a New Zealander has died in hospital in Calgary. They believe his death was linked to swine flu.

Alberta's chief medical officer of health Andre Corriveau says the man died in hospital on Thursday morning (local time) after developing flu symptoms when he arrived in Canada a week before.

Dr Corriveau says the man was accompanying his daughter, who was taking part in an annual international competition for young people.

Family members are being monitored and health authorities are contacting other people who may have had contact with him.

Canada's Public Health Agency says 72 people have died from H1N1 there.

In New Zealand, the Ministry of Health says there have been 17 deaths where swine flu was the primary cause of death. Other deaths are being investigated by the Coroner's office.

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