Flu warning after Australian child deaths
Pastor Dale Morgan
*Flu warning after Australian child deaths*
July 06, 2007 08:07pm
Article from: AAP
THREE children under five years of age have died in Perth in the past
few days from what is believed to be a severe form of the flu, the
Western Australian Health Department says.
The department is urging parents to quickly see a doctor if their
children show signs of respiratory illness.
Director of communicable disease control, Dr Paul Van Buynder, said the
speed at which the three children fell ill was a concern.
"While we do not want to create unnecessary panic, it is important for
parents to be aware that the disease can cause serious illness within 24
hours," Dr Van Buynder said.
"Parents whose children have cold or flu like symptoms, including a
cough and a fever, should see their general practitioner."
The health department is advising all parents of young children to see a
doctor for the flu vaccination if they have not already done so.