1 Jul 2009

First swine flu death in Hawaii

11:09 am on 1 July 2009

The first swine flu death in Hawaii and the hospitalization of another person has raised concerns about the spreading infection that has stricken 545 people in Hawaii.

In both cases the patients had underlying health problems when they contracted the H1N1 influenza infection.

The Honolulu Star Bulletin reports the head of Hawaii's Disease Outbreak Control Division said the occurrence of severe cases is not unexpected and does not reflect an increased threat to Hawaii residents.