Scottish swine flu victim had given birth weeks earlier

THE family of the woman who died in Scotland from the H1N1 flu virus said yesterday they had been left devastated.

Jacqueline Fleming, 38, who had recently given birth, died on Sunday at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley near Glasgow.

It was the first death in Europe from the virus and comes just days after the World Health Organisation labelled the outbreak a global pandemic.

“Our whole family is absolutely devastated and we are doing everything we can to support Jacqueline’s two sons and her partner,” her family said in a statement. “Jacqueline has been ill in hospital for a number of weeks, but nothing can prepare you for such shattering news.”

Fleming had given birth prematurely two weeks ago. Scotland’s Health Ministry has confirmed that she had pre-existing health problems.

“I’d like to express my condolences to the patient’s family and friends,” said Scottish Health Minister Nicola Sturgeon. “This is a tragedy for those concerned and they have my heartfelt sympathy.”

Scotland has suffered a disproportionately high number of cases of H1N1 flu, a mix of human, pig and bird viruses. It has confirmed 498 cases out of a British total of 1,261, the highest in Europe.

Most of the flu deaths have occurred in Mexico, the source of the outbreak, while the United States has the highest number of cases with more than 13,000 people infected.

The WHO declared an influenza pandemic last Thursday and advised governments to prepare for a long-term battle against the virus.

However, the Department of Health said most patients with the influenza virus – commonly known as swine flu – had only suffered mild symptoms.

A spokesman said they were monitoring the situation closely.