A 17-year-old boy has died in the Netherlands from swine flu (H1N1), marking the country's first confirmed fatality from the virus.
The teenager was already seriously ill before contracting the flu. Previously, nine patients with confirmed swine flu had been hospitalized in the Netherlands.
Confirmed cases have risen sharply to 663, with 151 infections acquired domestically and the remainder from abroad. This is up from 500 cases reported just days earlier.
Tamiflu-resistant mutation detected
U.S. health authorities have identified a swine flu mutation resistant to Tamiflu in patients along the Mexico-U.S. border, where the virus originated. These cases are no longer responding to the antiviral drug.
Tamiflu now available free on prescription
Starting August 3, 2009, Tamiflu will be provided free of charge at pharmacies with a doctor's prescription. Public Health Minister Ab Klink (CDA) is overseeing distribution this week. Previously, patients paid a nominal fee; compensation options are under review.
