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Fifth death from H1N1 virus
08/08/2009
A 26-year-old man has become the fifth person in Scotland to die after contracting influenza A H1N1.
The patient, who died in the early hours of this morning in Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary, had significant underlying health problems.
He contracted the virus on August 3 and was admitted to the hospital's intensive care unit on August 6.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:
"I extend my sincere condolences to the patient's family at this very sad time.
"While this tragic death shows that in some cases the H1N1 virus can cause complications, I would nevertheless like to stress that this does not mean the virus is getting more dangerous.
"The great majority of people contracting H1N1 are continuing to experience mild symptoms.
"People should therefore continue to take basic hygiene precautions to prevent the spread of infection and, if they do start to show flu-like symptoms, contact NHS 24 or their GP."