A 26-year-old pregnant woman who died on Monday, July 20 has been confirmed as Tonga's first death from swine flu, according to the Director of Health Dr Siale 'Akau'ola today. The woman's baby was saved.

The funeral of the woman was held at Tatakamotonga today. She had worked as a telephone operator and receptionist at Vaiola Hospital.

He said the pregnant woman who was nearly full term, was admitted to Vaiola Hospital on July 10 for pneumonia and was in a severe condition, with breathing difficulties.

He said doctors suspected she had the swine flu and isolated her before deciding for immediate surgery to try save her life and the baby.

The surgery took place the following day on July 11, which saved her baby, unfortunately she was far too sick to be saved and died on Monday, July 20. Her test, which was sent to New Zealand for confirmation on July 15, came back positive for swine flu the day she died, confirmed Dr 'Akau'ola.

Two weeks

It is confirmed that the woman had the flu-like symptoms for two weeks prior to her admission. She had been seen by health workers twice and treated for viral illness. Then two weeks later she deteriorated very fast before being admitted for pneumonia on July 10.

"The woman's death is very sad and unfortunate but she was far too sick and it was too late for her to be treated otherwise. The surgery also did not help her severe condition, but even without it she could have died on July 11 as well as the baby," he said.

Vulnerable groups

"This raises concerns particularly for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and those suffering from chronic diseases. And we are now highlighting and targeting the vulnerabilities of these two groups to swine flu and the importance for them to stay away from people who have flu-like symptoms and to seek medical treatment at the earliest opportunity," he said.

Two other pregnant women who had early flu symptoms have been given Tamiflu.

"It is also essential for the public to know that once we suspect flu-like cases to be swine, we treat patients immediately without waiting for the test confirmation from New Zealand, because that is just for the data information," he stressed.

Nine cases

Tonga has so far confirmed nine laboratory cases of swine flu. They include two women who were confirmed as Tonga's first cases on July 14 who have recovered; the woman who just died; and six others who have been treated and are reported to be doing well.

"But we suspect that there are even more cases within the community so it is essential that everyone is mindful of it," warned Dr 'Akau'ola.