Swine flu claims 32nd West Midlands victim

Dec 4 2009 by Sophie Cross, Birmingham Mail

ANOTHER person has died from swine flu in the West Midlands, bringing the total number of deaths in the region to 32, it was revealed today.

NHS West Midlands said 20 deaths where the illness was diagnosed involved patients under 45 years old, while 27 victims had a pre-existing underlying condition.

Fewer sufferers have been admitted to hospital this week, with a total of 189 compared with 207 last week.

The number of people attending GPs with flu-like symptoms has increased in parts of Staffordshire, whilst they have fallen in some parts of Birmingham.

Eighty-nine inpatients were being treated in hospital on Tuesday.