Chile reports 1st swine flu death in South America
The Associated Press, Santiago | Wed, 06/03/2009 8:17 AM
Chile's health minister has announced South America's first swine-flu death: that of a 37-year-old Chilean plumber.
Health Minster Alvaro Erazo says Fernando Vera died early Monday in Puerto Montt, 625 miles (1,000 kilometers) south of the capital of Santiago.
Authorities in Chile raised the number of confirmed swine flu cases to 360 cases - up from 313 - more than any other country in South America.
Erazo announced the death Tuesday.
Sandra Paredes is Vera's widow. She told Santiago's Radio Cooperativa that she also is having flu symptoms and will seek medical attention.
Vera died of massive respiratory failure.
