Fife man with no underlying health problems dies of swine flu

Published on Friday 11 September 2009 13:39

A MIDDLE-aged man with no other apparent health problems has become the eighth person to die in Scotland after contracting swine flu, officials said today.

The 53-year-old, from Fife, is thought to be the first H1N1 victim with no underlying health problems to die in Scotland.

The Scottish Government said: "A report has been submitted to the procurator fiscal at Dunfermline.

"At the family's request, no further details will be released."

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: "Our thoughts are with the patient's family and friends, and I'd like to send my sincere condolences to his loved ones at this very sad time.

"Fortunately in the vast majority of H1N1 cases, most people have fairly mild symptoms and make a full recovery within a week.

"But it's important that you get the help you need as quickly as possible if you are at greater risk."

She said latest figures for Scotland showed that while the virus continued to circulate, the rates remained "relatively low".

The Scottish Government said yesterday that the number of hospital beds for seriously ill people will be more than doubled to cope with a possible surge of swine flu cases.

Adult intensive care beds will increase from 180 to at least 378 and paediatric beds will increase from 24 to 48 in NHS hospitals in Scotland.