S. Korea reports death of new flu-infected patient

SEOUL, Oct. 8 (Yonhap) -- A 55-year-old man infected with the H1N1 virus has died
in South Korea, health authorities said Thursday, adding an investigation is
still underway into whether his death was directly linked with the contagious
disease.
The patient had been suffering from terminal-stage lung cancer before testing
positive for the type-A influenza on Sept. 22, according to the Ministry for
Health, Welfare and Family Affairs.
He first showed flu-like symptoms on Sept. 14 such as coughing and other
respiratory problems before being admitted to a hospital for treatment, the
ministry said.
"Investigation is underway to determine whether his death is directly linked with
the new flu virus," the ministry said in a statement.
Since first confirmed in May here, the H1N1 virus has claimed the lives of 11
South Korea people. Most of them were categorized as highly vulnerable patients
who are old-aged or suffering from chronic diseases. The last reported death in
connection with the flu was on Sept. 24.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
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