Saturday, August 01, 2009 RIYADH: The Ministry of Health, for the second consecutive day, announced on Friday two more swine flu deaths among Saudis in the Kingdom, bringing the total number of fatalities to four.The first victim was identified only as Abdullah, a 32-year-old Saudi nurse, who died at the Al-Nafi government hospital, located 100 km from Al-Ras in Qassim province. Abdullah was working in a hospital in Taif and was transferred to the region on his request three weeks ago. He developed high fever and was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday following complaints of breathing difficulties.The second victim was a 25-year-old Saudi youth, who died at the Al-Namas government hospital, 30 km from Abha, the capital of Asir province. He was admitted Tuesday to the hospital for a severe sore throat and a chest infection. He was reportedly a chain smoker with bronchitis, which doctors say could have played a role in his death.The other two patients who succumbed to swine flu included a 30-year-old Saudi man who died at Al-Mouwasat Private Hospital in Dammam and an Indonesian woman resident, 28, who passed away at the Dammam Central Hospital. The reported deaths now span the length of the country: the Eastern Province, centrally situated Qassim and southwestern Asir.Health Ministry spokesman Dr. Khalid Al-Mirghalani told Arab News that such deaths are expected due to the rapid spread of the virus. “Knowing well the effects of the flu, the ministry has taken adequate measures Kingdomwide to counter its spread,” Al-Mirghalani said. He called on the members of the public to cooperate with his ministry to fight the disease.On behalf of his officials, Health Minister Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah conveyed his sympathies to the bereaved families and reaffirmed his determination to take effective steps and check the spread of the virus.
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