(LEAD) S. Korea reports third influenza death

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SEOUL, Aug. 27 (Yonhap) -- South Korea reported its third type-A influenza death
Thursday, less than two weeks after the first two occurred and alarmed the
population that had considered itself fairly insulated from the deadly disease.

A Seoul resident in his 60s died after he was hospitalized a day earlier for
pneumonia symptoms, Ministry of Health and Welfare officials said.
The man, whom they refused to identify further, developed breathing difficulties
Tuesday and was confirmed to have contracted the H1N1 virus a day later.
Officials said his death, which resulted directly from shock associated with
blood poisoning, marked the second time a patient with no recent record of
overseas travel has died in the country.
South Korea reported Aug. 15 its first H1N1 virus-related death -- a man in his
50s who had recently returned from a trip to Thailand. The second death, which
involved a woman in her 50s, took place just a day later.
The latest victim was admitted to a different hospital about a month ago with a
high fever and chronic pneumonia. He died a day after he was given an anti-flu
medication, officials said.
The number of South Koreans diagnosed with the infectious viral respiratory
disease topped 3,300 earlier this week. The first outbreak was reported in May.
Health experts say the disease may spread more widely in the fall. Government
officials said Thursday all elementary and secondary school teachers will be
required to have their temperatures taken every day at work. A growing number of
schools across South Korea have announced they plan to extend their summer recess
into September due to flu fears.
samkim@yna.co.kr
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