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London school child and GP die of swine flu
Robert Mendick, Tim Ross and Anna Davis14 Jul 2009
An apparently healthy six-year-old London girl has died of swine flu within hours of being taken to hospital.
Chloe Buckley, from West Drayton, is the first child in Britain without underlying health problems to be killed by the virus.
A doctor in Dunstable in Bedfordshire — a hotspot for swine flu — has also died after contracting swine flu. Michael Day, 64, was taken to hospital on Saturday and died the same day. His patients are being contacted to screen them for the H1N1 virus. Chloe died at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington a day after her GP is reported to have wrongly diagnosed her illness as tonsillitis.
It is alleged that Chloe was taken to her GP with a sore throat on Wednesday but was sent home without being prescribed antiviral flu drug Tamiflu. Chloe's condition deteriorated overnight and her parents Michael, 40, and Jacinta, 37, took her to Hillingdon Hospital in Uxbridge on Thursday morning.
She was transferred for emergency treatment to St Mary's but died a few hours later. She was due to celebrate her seventh birthday on Friday. Sara Benn, headteacher of St Catherine's RC primary school where Chloe was a pupil, said today: “It is impossible to put into words the sorrow that the whole school feels in such tragic circumstances.
“Chloe was a bright and tenacious student with a keen interest in sports and will be missed by her fellow pupils and teachers at the school. Our thoughts are with the parents and family. We are working with the council and health authority to support parents and pupils dealing with this devastating news.” Preliminary tests revealed Chloe had contracted swine flu while a post-mortem carried out today will determine the cause of death.
Chloe is only the second person in Britain to have died of the illness despite apparently not suffering any other health issues. Her death will spark fears that the virus is becoming increasingly potent.
A mother with a child at the same school said today: “Chloe was fit and healthy and in school on Monday and Tuesday. By Wednesday she had developed a very sore throat.
“But the doctor said she had tonsillitis and sent her home. Overnight she became incredibly unwell. Her parents are devastated because they feel Chloe could be alive if she was given Tamiflu on Wednesday.”
The couple, who have been married for 15 years, have two other children — boys aged 10 and 12. The family are understood to be devout Catholics.
Many of the girl's classmates were being kept at home today. A spokeswoman for Hillingdon Hospital said: “A post-mortem will be carried out on Chloe to identify if she had any underlying health conditions and to determine the cause of death.”
Simon Tanner, regional director of public health for London, confirmed Chloe had caught swine flu in this country. He said: “In London we have a steeply rising number of cases. The fact the virus is spreading in the community means everyone has a chance of getting it as they go about their normal lives. This will probably not be the last death.” GPs' surgeries across London were today told to prepare for a “swine flu panic” as thousands seek advice.
Dr Day's death is now subject to investigation. A swab taken at Luton and Dunstable Hospital confirmed the GP, who had practised in the area for 35 years, had contracted swine flu.
Further tests will determine whether he died of the virus and whether he had underlying health problems. Authorities will also investigate whether a patient passed the virus on to him. Dr Paul Hassan, senior partner at Priory Gardens Health Centre where Dr Day was a GP, said: “This news has come as such a shock to us all and we are completely devastated.”
Chloe and Dr Day are the 16th and 17th British people to die while suffering swine flu, although 14 deaths have been attributed to underlying health problems. There are almost 10,000 confirmed cases of swine flu in the UK — the third-highest in the world behind Mexico and the US.
Reader views (38)
Dear sir,as a result for studying the effects of common viruses I have been an inventor for 15 years with 9 patents filed in UK and USA.I was working opn a project and stumbled across a site of a US company which have beaten me to a aid to curb MRSA,and C'diff plus SWINE FLU.
indeed the problem is the internet poses a lot of false leads but I had a serious accident in USA myself my socail security number is PW491068A and I had major surgeory in Addenbrookes NHS hospital.I would be greatful to answer any questions re the site and visit
- Stephen Keane, Cambridgeshire, 05/08/2009 09:34
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Im also experiencing similar symptoms i have a runny nose,bad cough and muscle pain could ths be swine flu? And if i dont take any vaccines could the flu simple disappear lyk the normal flu?
- Phele, South Africa, 20/07/2009 23:38
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Hey People,
Do not have the Tamiflu vaccine, not because it doesn't work but because it contains squalene oil which really messes up the human body if neatly injected under the skin read up and weep - gulf war syndrome.
Swine flu is not a naturally occuring virus it's a lab created population deflator, or a bio weapon of great destruction.
The lab accused of leaking it to joe public is also involved in the vaccine production, great eh!
If you really want to do you and your family some favours, research natural antivirals, and boost your immunity continually.
Protect yourself and your neighbour from this world government balls up!
- They Ruin Our World, SeaSide, 16/07/2009 14:15
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I also have a 6 year old and my god I feel for chloes family I would be simply crushed. I am pregnant too and yes I am worried about swine flu but equally as worried about a vaccine that is so new where no long term side effects will have been established. I know it is unlikely you will die from swine flu or from the vaccine or have any bad health after having this flu or the vaccine but a few people will, and as terrible as that is we just have to accept thats the way it is. Theres not alot of point blaming people it cant be easy running the country I would hate to have that responsibilty. We are all just gonna have to make a choice - have the vaccine or not? Stay at home and hide or carry on with our lives? There is no wrong decision but if you do start getting flu like symptoms then get yourself some tamiflu and stay home.
- Helen, farnborough england, 16/07/2009 12:18
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Hmm compulsory vaccination. Three two five zero zero zero anyone?
- Blue Baby, London, 16/07/2009 11:18
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Please forget the politics for a while and think of a very young life lost, and heartbroken parents and brothers. They need to see our support for them at this time.
- Val, dagenham, 16/07/2009 11:18
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OK - here's another total cock-up to add to Brown's ever-lengthening list of disasters
- Pigzlefly, Filleigh UK, 16/07/2009 11:18
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Shocker - Another government sponsored con.
- Dave Davies, Basingstoke, Hants, 16/07/2009 11:18
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Wth no medical training whatsoever, I'd be guesssing the young, the sick and the elderly will be most at risk and therefore in a real emergency situation any treatment would be withdrawn, to concentrate on those likely to survive. There you go - was I close?
- Marianne, SW France/London, 16/07/2009 11:18
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My son is currently in hospital with a diagnosis of "tonsilitis" He is very poorly and his temp difficult to control. I can't get anyome to swab him for swine flu even though he is exhibiting every symptom.Any ideas what to do?
- Sue, North Wales, 16/07/2009 11:18
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Kerry, Purley I hope you are not made to regret your threats please do not feed the trolls. People blame Gordon because it is his job to run this country and inform us of what Swine flu is and as you also state nobody knows, understands or most importantly trusts labour with out lives.
Kerry one final point have you not thought some people could just be petrified?
- Gary, Brentwood, 16/07/2009 11:18
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"And, anyway, I understand that thimerisol is not even used in vaccines any more (although I'm not 100% sure about that)."
It's also worth noting that while thiomersal (sic) was used in some British vaccines, the MMR (i.e. the vaccine mainly accused of a link with autism) wasn't one of them.
- Michael, London, 16/07/2009 11:18
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I see the usual suspects are spouting off about subjects they know nothing about.
No one knows whether this strain will mutate into something more deadly and if it does will it be more or less virulent? The morons blaming Gordon Brown are just stupid, not nearly as stupid as those supposing it is a ploy by "Them" to dispose of the poor. I hope the strain is selective and only takes out the morons, judith,pigzlefly,malcolm, jane, et al
- Kerry, Purley, 16/07/2009 11:18
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Jane: have you ever been treated for mental illness? Do you really think "they" are out to kill 8o% of the world ? And where by the way did you get that precise figure? I feel so sorry for you - if you really believe that stuff then the world must look like a really scary place to you. (it's not like that at all) Have a chat with your gp - that level of delusion really does require investigation.
MJ
- Mark, belfast, 16/07/2009 11:18
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I'd rather risk swine flu than put myself in the hands of the wannabe fascist incompetents trying to run the show. Everything they propose, everything they say, everything they do is either nightmarish or laughable. When, when, when will this charade of government end?
- Judith C, London, UK, 16/07/2009 11:18
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The connection between vaccinations and autism has never been proved .. the research was flawed. In the USA parents of autistic children are campaigning FOR vaccination after the faulty research results were revealed.
- Jay, London, UK., 16/07/2009 11:18
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Neil, actually it's been scientifically proven that there is no link between thimerisol and autism. And, anyway, I understand that thimerisol is not even used in vaccines any more (although I'm not 100% sure about that).
- Jon, Wokingham, 16/07/2009 11:18
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is the Gov. planning on only giving the anti flu jab to 'legal' citizens?
- Pete, birmingham, 16/07/2009 11:18
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Don't trust vaccines, the banking elite running the world want to reduce the population by 80%.
- Jane, London, England, 16/07/2009 11:18
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Neil of London: do you recall Typhoid Mary? all States have powers to control those who are spreading deadly and highly infectious diseases; and quite rightly. They have to be quarantined for the greater good. What is the moral difference between that and compulsory vaccination to stop the spread of a deadly infection in the first place?? PLease stop being hysterical and get some perspective.
- Alan, London, 16/07/2009 11:18
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Little Chloe's death has been reported here. My own daughter is just a few weeks older than her. Tears are streaming down my face for her, her parents and her older siblings. To lose your child at all, let alone so close to her birthday, is just agonising. My heart is bursting for her mother - from one mother to another all my thoughts are with you.
- Kate, Sydney, Australia, 16/07/2009 11:18
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Judith C, facist incompetent, blimey last week you lot were moaning about this Socialist Government,leave Gorden alone,he is the best Conservative Prime Minister for years.
- Robert, Streatham, 16/07/2009 11:18
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Really NHS is failing us no?!? Crash Gordon said we will reach the targets...
- Caroline, Islington, London, 16/07/2009 11:18
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Just fast-forwarding a little bit here: when they announce compulsory vaccination, please remeber the scientific link between thimerisol (the mercury ingredient in vaccines) and neurodegenerative autism-like symptoms. Compulsory vaccination is state biological warfare against the citizen.
- Neil, London, London UK, 16/07/2009 11:18
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Is there ANYTHING that Crash Gordon's "government" can do well? Blunder after blunder. And in my company the colleagues from abroad have to stay away from us as we are in the risk areas - together with Mexico and other sout american countries... What a disaster.
- Georgie, Islington, London, 16/07/2009 11:18
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This would never have happened under the Tories.
- Cyberman, London, 16/07/2009 11:18
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My condolences to the parents who have lost their young daughter so close to her birthday.
I am surprised that not one person commenting has mentioned a lost life here, only their own political ramblings.
- Smb, London, UK, 16/07/2009 11:18
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This flu is not mild For a lot of people it is going to be fatal It was handled corrrectly in Mexico Schools were closed cinemas etc to stop it spreading We gave up after a few weeks because our inept NHS and GP's could not and did not make proper diagnosis of thousands of people who were ill In dirty filthy London where people sneeze and cough and spit it is spreading like wildfire Vaccines are needed and quick
- Sheila, london uk, 16/07/2009 11:18
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Well,a week ago our goverment was saying dont panic.Today I say wake up you useless bunch of MPs,this is a major virus.
- Dave, london, 16/07/2009 11:18
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so 2 apparently healthy people have died in the UK - let's put some perspective on this. Normal flu outbreaks kill more people. I suspect a similar number/proportion of people are dying in the other countries that have 'swine flu'.
- Andy, london, 16/07/2009 11:18
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"OK - here's another total cock-up to add to Brown's ever-lengthening list of disasters"
Presumably Brown is the name of the GP who misdiagnosed swine flu as tonsillitis, because otherwise that comment makes no logical sense whatsoever.
- Michael, London, 16/07/2009 11:18
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Dave, london: Thank goodness you're not running the country. It's a government's job to say "don't panic." If a government were to say "panic" then we'd have people not turning up for work, running on banks, and looting stores.
- Mark Lee, Vauxhall, 16/07/2009 11:18
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I realise that,fortunately, the swine flu mortality rate is - so far - very low but nevertheless this is a disease which was entirely preventable.
The main question which journalists don't seem to be asking this government is why have we had over 10,000 swine flu cases in Britain when other European countries have had barely a couple of hundred????
For God's sake journalists do your job properly and get the government to answer this straightforward question!!!
Also, why have we allowed this flu to spread when the government has stockpiles of Tamiflu which they refuse to release to the public?
What good are millions of doses of Tamiflu doing while they are in government warehouses?
Why wasn't Tamiflu given out immediately to anyone with ANY flu-like symptoms instead of waiting for samples to be analysed and swine flu confirmed - a process that took several days (thus allowing the disease to develop and spread) - before Tamiflu was issued?
Why do people feel that they have to buy dodgy supplies of Tamiflu on the internet instead of being able to simply walk into any chemist's and buy it over the counter?
Given that the government keeps boasting of having millions of doses of Tamiflu stockpiled why not simply send one dose to each family immediately so they can self-medicate as soon as they feel the first symptoms of flu so as to kill this didease dead?
Swine flu - brought to you by a government of swine.
- Timon, London, 16/07/2009 11:18
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My heart goes out to all the families that have lost someone. I have daughter that has swine flu, Am I scared, yes She has had it very bad, is unable to walk up the stairs with out being short of breath and coughing, and we are on day 5! Please think about others if you are not well, stay at home and try to help stop this spreading more!
- Terry, Derby, 16/07/2009 11:18
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Well, what a shock!
- Steve, Brentford, 16/07/2009 11:18
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My pharmacist told me four weeks ago that the Government do not have the slightest clue what they are supposed to be implementing regarding Tamiflu.
Oh! When I get Swine Flu I need to obtain a "voucher".
That would certainly take countless telephone calls whilst the operator ticks all the required boxes - in the meantime I could DROP DEAD.
Typical hypocritical spin and waffle from wombles.
- Reuben Camara, Republic of Morecambe, UK, 16/07/2009 11:18
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Frankly, now we know that this flu is mild, the only use of Tamiflu should be for patients especially at risk because of pre-existing medical problems. If it's given to everyone, it'll soon result in a drug-resistant virus developing, and then we'll have lost our only line of defense against a future possible killer flu.
- Nigel, London, 16/07/2009 11:18
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I totally agree with the comments of Neil from London and others regarding the mass vaccination of the population, and I hope that was is happening now will be seen for what it really is, a conspiracy to frighten people into having the vaccine, in order to make Pharma even richer. However, at the same time this is part of a much bigger depopulation conspiracy. Thank goodness people are starting to wake up to what's really going on in the world and the 'hidden' agenda of the 'illuminati'.
- Malcolm Hopkins, Leatherhead, UK, 16/07/2009 11:18
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