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Posted: Saturday, 31 October 2009 9:38PM
Far South Side woman, 25, dies of Swine Flu
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CHICAGO (STNG) -- A pregnant South Side woman died Friday in part from the H1H1 virus, making her the 12th person to die from the virus in Chicago.
Carrie Brinson, 25, of 10233 S. King Dr., was pronounced dead at 1:25 a.m. Friday at Rush University Medical Center, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office.
A Saturday autopsy determined Brinson died from H1N1 influenza, pneumonia and intrauterine pregnancy, according to the medical examiner’s office. Her death was determined to be natural, and she was reportedly in the hospital for an unspecified amount of time prior to her death.
Tim Hadac, spokesman for the city Department of Public Health, said Brinson was the 12th Chicagoan to die in part from the virus, and not the first pregnant woman. Pregnant women are considered to be “high-risk” for contracting the virus.
The high-risk group also includes people with infants 6-months-old or younger, children and young people between the ages of 6 months and 24, health care workers, and people 25 to 64-years-old with health conditions like asthma, heart disease or diabetes.
“Pregnancy in of itself is a risk factor,” Hadac said. “[We] urge pregnant women to get vaccinated as soon as they can.”
While circumstances surrounding Brinson’s death were unknown, Hadac said many Chicagoans are taking advantage of the vaccines being distributed throughout the city.
On Saturday alone, 9,000 people came out to the six City College locations where the vaccines were being given away, Hadac said. In the last four days, the city has vaccinated more than 28,000 people.
“[Brinson’s death] is a sobering reminder that all of those considered high-risk have to get vaccinated,” Hadac said. “And all of us need to have personal hygiene; wash our hands [and] stay home if we are sick.”
Brinson was reportedly 17 weeks pregnant at her time of death.
Hadac said at least one other pregnant Chicago woman died from the virus in the spring, and that the vaccines are being distributed to obstetricians citywide.
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Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2009. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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