Man, 55, dies of swine flu

A SECOND person is understood to have died in Llanelli after contracting swine flu.

A 55-year-old man is believed to have died over the past few days at Prince Philip Hospital, according to health sources.

The Assembly has confirmed a further swine flu death in Wales but, in a change of policy, it is now refusing to release any details of swine flu victims, or even where they have died.

As a result, the full circumstances surrounding the death are unknown.

A spokesman said: "The Assembly has been notified formally of one further swine flu-related death in Wales since the last report. This brings the total of Welsh swine flu-related deaths to eight. No further details will be released."

The news follows the death of a 43-year-old woman on October 7 after contracting swine flu.

Llanelli AM Helen Mary Jones said: "This is obviously very sad news, and my thoughts go out to all the friends and family.

"It is very important to remember that the vast majority of people who contract swine flu usually suffer an unpleasant, but not a major illness.

"I would urge anyone who feels vulnerable in any way to take advantage of the vaccine that is on offer, because it's the simplest way of protecting your health."

Carmarthenshire hit the headlines last month when two primary schools became the first in Wales to be closed due to the virus.

As at November 2, there have been 456 laboratory confirmed cases of swine flu in Wales since the start of the outbreak. Of those cases, 251 have been admitted to hospital.

Tony Jewell, the chief medical officer for Wales, said: "Sadly, as the number of swine flu cases rise, the number of people experiencing severe symptoms or complications, or even death, will increase. This is the same for seasonal flu in the winter."

Check symptoms on www.nhsdirect.wales. nhs.uk or call the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513.