Australian expert warns pregnant women about A/H1N1 flu
CANBERRA. July 21. KAZINFORM Pregnant women are right to be cautious and avoid crowded public places, an Australian A/H1N1 flu expert said on Tuesday; Kazinform cites Xinhua.
Alan Hampson, who is chairing the Influenza Specialist Group (ISG), said every Australian should take steps to limit their exposure to A/H1N1 flu - particularly those at additional risk.
"I think as much as possible we should be avoiding the infection, particularly if you're in a risk group, including pregnancy," Hampson said.
His warning follows reports from Queensland health officials that a 19-year-old pregnant Palm Island woman who contracted A/N1N1 flu had lost her near-term child.
It is believed to be Australia's first A/H1N1 flu-related death of a foetus, and the women remains in a critical condition in Townsville hospital; Kazinform refers to Xinhua.
See www.xinhuanet.com for full version.