Young Pregnant Woman Dies from Flu Complications in Ukraine

Doctors managed to save the premature baby before the mother's death.

A 31-year-old pregnant resident of Ukraine died on January 3 from complications of the influenza virus. The woman's death was confirmed by the press service of the Public Health Center.

The woman fell ill on December 24, and on December 31 she suffered placental abruption. Doctors performed a cesarean section and saved the baby. On January 3, the mother died.

Laboratory tests confirmed that the woman had influenza type A, not subtyped, as well as a chronic hepatitis C infection.

The infant survived, and today, Monday, January 13, he was transferred from the intensive care unit to the department for premature babies.

At the press center of the Ministry of Health, they reported that the woman had not been vaccinated against influenza.

In total, since the start of the epidemic season in October 2019, medics have recorded three flu deaths. In particular, the previous case occurred on December 31: a person died from complications of influenza type A despite resuscitation efforts. He was also not vaccinated.

From December 30, 2019, to January 5, 2020, according to the Ministry of Health, acute respiratory viral infections were diagnosed in 101,175 cases in Ukraine. 65.4% of those who fell ill — children under 17.

Ten cases of influenza-like illness and 12 cases of severe acute respiratory infection were also registered. Specialists found influenza viruses in seven of the 13 samples tested: six — type A (H1)pdm09 and one — type B.

Influenza — is an acute respiratory disease caused by a virus that spreads easily from person to person mainly through coughing, sneezing or close contact.

Among the symptoms of influenza may be:

• sudden onset of illness
• headache
• muscle and joint aches
• sore throat
• body temperature above 38°C
• cough
• vomiting, diarrhea.

If influenza is suspected, the Ministry of Health of Ukraine urges people not to self-medicate, but to consult their family doctor, general practitioner or pediatrician.

The best prevention against influenza — annual vaccination. Since the start of the epidemic season, more than 229,000 people have been vaccinated against influenza in Ukraine.