Malaysia reports third case of A/H1N1 flu death

This was also reportedly the first case of death resulted by a local transmission of the virus.

    The third victim, a 42-year-old man, died on Monday at a private hospital here, according to the Malaysian Health Ministry.

    Malaysian Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai said the third victim had died of severe pneumonia with multi-organ failure after receiving treatment for 10 days in a private hospital since July 18.

    Since July 6, the man had sought outpatient treatments from several private clinics and hospitals before being hospitalized atthe private hospital, Liow told a press conference at his ministry.

    In the hospital, the man was diagnosed to be suffering from both diabetes and pneumonia, and was later transferred to the intensive care unit after having breathing difficulties, added Liow.

    Liow said a throat swab was taken on late July 22 when the man's condition deteriorated and the sample test result showed A/H1N1 positive on July 23.

    He showed his concern about the fatalities in Malaysia as all of them died when they were admitted to hospitals.

    Liow also directed private clinics and hospitals to be on high alert as well as make Tamiflu, an anti-viral drug, available for the flu treatment, Kazinform cites Xinhua. See www.chinaview.cn for full version.