Swine flu death toll in West Midlands reaches 31

Nov 27 2009 by Jasbir Authi, Birmingham Mail

ANOTHER four people have died from swine flu in the West Midlands according to new figures released by the NHS.

The latest deaths bring the total number of swine flu related fatalities in the region to 31.

The number of people visiting their GP in the region with flu-like symptoms in parts of Birmingham has also continued to rise slowly.  

The reported rate of GP consultations for flu and flu-like illnesses per 100,000 population within the West Midlands this week is 62.2, compared to the England average of 50.4.

Dr Rashmi Shukla, Regional Director Public Health, NHS West Midlands, said: “Over the next few weeks, the NHS will continue to vaccinate those most at risk of developing severe illness and GPs will be contacting ‘at risk’ groups to be invited for vaccination. 

“For the vast majority this is a mild illness but it can affect a small number of people with other medical conditions very seriously.”