Doctor and girl die after catching H1N1 flu

By Michael Holden

LONDON (Reuters) - A family doctor and a six-year-old girl have died after catching H1N1 flu, health officials said on Monday, days after the first British death from the infection in an otherwise healthy patient.

It means 17 people have now died in Britain after contracting the infection.

Dr Michael Day, from Bedfordshire, north of London, died on Saturday at Luton and Dunstable Hospital, local NHS officials said.

Tests showed he had tested positive for the H1N1 virus, known as swine flu, although the exact cause of death was still unknown.

"This news has come as such a shock to us all and we are completely devastated," said Dr Paul Hassan, senior partner at Priory Gardens Health Centre.

"I know the news will also come as a great shock to our patients, many of whom have known him for many years."

Meanwhile Chloe Buckley, 6, from northwest London, died on July 9 at St Mary's Hospital in London, NHS officials said. A post mortem will be carried out to see if she was suffering any underlying health conditions.

"We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family at this difficult time as they come to terms with their loss," said Simon Tanner, Regional Director of Public Health.