Brazil registers first H1N1 flu death - ministry
SAO PAULO, June 28 (Reuters) - Brazil had its first death from the H1N1 influenza, or swine flu, on Sunday, after a 50-year-old man succumbed to the virus which he picked up in Argentina, the health ministry said in a statement.
He first showed symptoms on June 15 while on a trip to Argentina, which has had several deaths due to the flu. After returning to Brazil on June 19, he was admitted to a hospital the following day where he was confirmed to have the H1N1 virus.
The ministry has in recent days warned Brazilians against traveling in Argentina and Chile.
It also said the total confirmed cases of the deadly flu had reached 627 in Brazil.
Officials expect further deaths as the virus spreads during the coming winter months, which began a week ago in Brazil.
Currently, 114 countries have confirmed cases of the H1N1 flu, according to the World Health Organization. (Reporting by Reese Ewing) (reese.ewing@thomsonreuters.com; +5511 8160-4173)
He first showed symptoms on June 15 while on a trip to Argentina, which has had several deaths due to the flu. After returning to Brazil on June 19, he was admitted to a hospital the following day where he was confirmed to have the H1N1 virus.
The ministry has in recent days warned Brazilians against traveling in Argentina and Chile.
It also said the total confirmed cases of the deadly flu had reached 627 in Brazil.
Officials expect further deaths as the virus spreads during the coming winter months, which began a week ago in Brazil.
Currently, 114 countries have confirmed cases of the H1N1 flu, according to the World Health Organization. (Reporting by Reese Ewing) (reese.ewing@thomsonreuters.com; +5511 8160-4173)
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