Woman Dies of Swine Flu Day After Giving Birth

Woman is fourth Illinoisian to die of H1N1 flu

A 20-year-old Chicago woman has died from complications of swine flu, one day after her 27-week fetus was delivered by cesarean section.

The woman, Caitlin Huber, was admitted to the University of Illinois Chicago Medical Center May 23 with flu-like symptoms and her condition deteriorated rapidly after that, according to a news release from the hospital.

Huber is the only patient with H1N1 flu to die at the medical center, and the fourth to die in Illinois due to complications of the flu. Illinois Department of Public Health spokeswoman Melaney Arnold said all four victims have had other medical problems.

Formerly of Lincoln, Neb., Huber leaves behind two daughters, newborn Patricia and 1-year-old Annalycia, the Lincoln Journal Star reported in an article which focused on the woman's love of dance.

A pregnancy may heighten a person’s risk for pneumonia while fighting a pandemic flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Illinois Department of Public Health has reported 1,268 confirmed cases of swine flu in the state. Most cases have been in Chicago and suburban Cook County.

A 22-year-old Chicago man died May 24. The death of a female from northwest suburban Cook County was announced May 27. And a 42-year-old Kane County man died May 28.

The Chicago Department of Public Health says the most recent victim was admitted to the hospital May 23 with flu-like symptoms.

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