THE WOMAN who has become Ireland’s first fatality from swine flu is reported to have suffered from cystic fibrosis (CF).
The young woman was from the west of Ireland, but the Department of Health has provided no more information about her.
Patients with cystic fibrosis are in the defined risks groups worldwide who are particularly vulnerable to swine flu.
Though cystic fibrosis patients are no more at risk of getting the disease than any other segment of society, they are vulnerable to the virus because of their pre-existing lung condition.
Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI)chief executive Philip Watt said his organisation had not been informed by the department about the young woman’s death.
He said the organisation was working with the HSE to develop guidelines for cystic fibrosis sufferers who get swine flu.
CFI has asked that cystic fibrosis patients should be prioritised when the new vaccine arrives.
He urged those with cystic fibrosis not to panic as a result of the reported death from swine flu of the patient at Tallaght hospital.
“If what is reported is true, it is very sad. It has been the case that in other countries many people with CF who get swine flu have recovered very quickly from it.”
Cystic fibrosis campaigner and patient Orla Tinsley said the death showed it was “paramount” that CF sufferers be kept away from other patients in hospital because of the risk of infection.
A dedicated unit for cystic fibrosis patients is not due to come on stream at St Vincent’s hospital in Dublin until 2011.
“Currently we have 18 patients with cystic fibrosis, and eight en-suite beds in single rooms for them with visitors coming in and out. I spent two weeks in a room with four other patients. It is an absolutely tragic event and very sad for the family involved if it is somebody with CF, and highlights the need for isolation in hospitals.”
