Reported September 04, 2009

Manaus, Brazil – A seven-month pregnant 17-year-old has become the first person to die from Swine Flu in Roraima, a northern Brazilian state bordering on Venezuela, the health department confirmed on Thursday.

“She died the morning of August 21, in Hospital Geral de Roraima, diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia, aggravated by influenza virus (H1N1),” said Dr. Andre Hansen, a specialist in infectious disease.

The teenager was admitted to Our Lady of Nazareth Hospital in Boa Vista which is a prenatal care facility. She presented with fever, coughs, body aches and appeared pale and was transferred to the intensive care unit of Hospital Geral de Roraima where she and the baby died.

Hospital authorities considered a Caesarean section but determined the mother could suffer fatal haemorrhage, officials said.

An initial test proved negative for Swine Flu but a second test confirmed the diagnosis.

The World Health Organization has reported pregnant women and persons under 17 are at a higher risk of serious complications from the novel virus.

Source : VANCOUVERITE