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Shimon Azran

Health Ministry believes Eilat man died of swine flu

Autopsy on body of Eilat resident, 35, who died Saturday reveals he was infected with virus. Family files malpractice claim against hospital for discharging man twice last week

An autopsy performed on the body of 35-year-old Eilat resident Shimon Azran, who died over the weekend, revealed he was infected with swine flu. Health Ministry officials estimated the man died of complications associated with the virus.

 

The Yoseftal Hospital in Eilat reported that Azran was hospitalized last Friday after feeling sick. Despite efforts to stabilize his condition, he passed away on Saturday.

 

The man's family agreed to the hospital's request to perform an autopsy in order to clarify the cause of death and has also submitted a complaint with the police for medical malpractice.

 

According to the family, Azran was hospitalized twice last week but was discharged after doctors concluded he had a viral disease.

 

"For some reason I feel this is a lie. The Health Ministry is investigating the hospital. We didn't get anything from the pathologist," said Shimon's brother, Avner Azran upon hearing of the ministry's estimates.

 

"When Shimon was hospitalized they didn't even tell us once that they suspect it's swine flu. They only raised the possibility after he died," he added.

 

The hospital Director General Avi Goldberg preferred not to comment on whether the doctors suspected Azran had contracted swine flu, and if so why was he not treated with the appropriate medication – Tamiflu.

 

"An investigative committee is currently being set up, and we will address every claim once we have the results," he added.

  

Until now, 1,100 cases of swine flu have been diagnosed in the country. Just last week, the Health Ministry announced that it is no longer necessary to carry out specialized lab tests or to issue unique medical treatment for swine flu because it is, in their words, "any other flu."

 

According to Ministry guidelines, only patients in high-risk groups - such as pregnant women, patients with chronic respiratory diseases, patients with suppressed immune systems, or patients with heart conditions – need to seek medical attention if they contract swine flu.

 

Ahuva Mamos contributed to the report

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 07.27.09, 13:41
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