S. Korea reports seventh flu-related death

SEOUL, Sept. 14 (Yonhap) -- A South Korean man infected with the Influenza A
(H1N1) virus has died, the second flu-related death in the day that brings the
local death toll from the contagious disease to seven, South Korea's health
authorities said Monday.

The 78-year old man, who has long suffered from high blood pressure,
hepatocirrhosis and other diseases, was presumed to have died from complications
stemming from the new flu on Sunday, according to the Ministry of Health and
Welfare.
The exact cause of death was still under investigation, the ministry said.
According to the ministry, the man was confirmed as being infected with the
Influenza A virus on Aug. 12, after showing symptoms of high fever and coughing.
The country also reported another flu-related death earlier Sunday.
The first outbreak of the new flu in South Korea was reported in early May, and
the first fatality from the disease was reported on Aug. 15.
A total of 7,576 confirmed flu infections were reported across the nation as of
Sept. 10, according to the ministry.
Among the flu cases, two -- a female in her 40s and a male in his 60s -- were
reported to be in critical condition.
Health experts say the disease may spread more widely in the fall, and there is
the possibility the death toll may rise.
Meanwhile, South Korea plans to inoculate some 13.4 million people, or 27 percent
of the nation's population, including children vulnerable to the flu, by next
February.
sam@yna.co.kr
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