New Zealand reports first swine flu deaths

Wellington, July 4

Three people have died of swine flu in New Zealand, the Ministry of Health announced Saturday, reporting the country's first fatalities from the H1N1 virus.

It said the chief coroner had reported that it was "strongly probable" the H1N1 virus was a major factor in the death of a 19-year-old man in Hamilton Sunday and a 42-year-old man in Christchurch Thursday.

A ministry statement said that a young girl with underlying medical conditions died Saturday morning in Wellington Hospital after testing positive for swine flu.

Health Minister Tony Ryall said swine flu was continuing to spread throughout the community, but there was no cause for alarm.

Mark Jacobs, director of public health, said: "For most New Zealanders, swine flu will be a mild illness, but in some instances, the infection can cause more severe illness and, in a few tragic instances, death."

He said that 945 confirmed cases had now been reported in New Zealand, up from 912 on Friday.

Last updated on Jul 4^th, 2009 at 10:00 am IST--DPA

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