Jul 1, 2009 5:30 pm US/Eastern
Mass. Has 2 More H1N1-Related Deaths
Both Victims Are From Boston
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Massachusetts reports two more H1N1-related deaths, both in Boston, bringing the total number of deaths of people infected with the virus in the state to four.
The Boston Public Health Commission said tests confirmed that a 52-year-old man who died on June 26 was infected with the H1N1 virus.
Officials say the man had underlying health problems.
The second victim is a 30-year-old man who was hospitalized on June 15 and died June 29. Officials say he is a probable case of H1N1 influenza, though test are still pending.
Earlier this week, health officials announced an elderly Boston man had died from the virus. The first H1N1-related death in the state was a 30-year-old Boston woman.
She got sick on June 5 and was hospitalized on June 10. She died on June 14.
Health officials said the vast majority of people who are diagnosed with H1N1 usually recovery from the illness, but there are some groups that are at a higher risk of complications, including children under the age of 2, adults over the age of 65, pregnant people and people with chronic conditions.
As of Wednesday, July 1, there were 475 confirmed cases of H1N1 flu in Boston and 70 hospitalizations.
In Massachusetts, there were 1287 confirmed cases and 134 hospitalizations as of Thursday, June 25. By contrast, seasonal influenza causes 250,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths each year nationwide.
A vaccine for H1N1 is expected for the fall.
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