On August 15, 2009, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced the second death from pandemic influenza A (H1N1) in Taiwan.The case was a six-year-old girl who resided in southern Taiwan.On July 25, 2009, the case developed influenza-like symptoms, including a fever of over 38oC, sore throat and fever, and sought medical attention at a clinic.On July 30, 2009, the case sought further medical assistance at a medical care center.The case subsequently developed pneumonia and a severe case of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) was confirmed in the case by a rapid diagnostic testing and a physician diagnosis.Immediately, the case was transferred to the intensive care ward for further treatment.After spending two weeks in the intensive care ward, the symptoms worsened at noon on August 15, 2009, and the case died at 3pm on the same day.

To further understand and discuss the evolution of severe pandemic influenza A (H1N1) cases and the relevant treatment course, CECC recently decided to study each death resulted from pandemic influenza A (H1N1) in order to prevent more deaths from occurring.Representatives from relevant medical associations will be invited to attend such discussion, which will be hosted by the commander of the local epidemic command center.

According to the disease surveillance data compiled by the World Health Organization (WHO), pandemic influenza A (H1N1) has resulted in 1462 deaths worldwide.On August 14, 2009, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) announced that 477 deaths from pandemic influenza A (H1N1) have been reported in the U.S.

At the time of writing, 25 severe cases of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) have been reported in Taiwan.Of the cases, 16 have been discharged, 4 are staying at public wards, 3 are receiving treatment at intensive care wards, and 2 have died.