Government has revealed a Bermudian has died from the H1N1 virus, despite a statement of no confirmed deaths less than three weeks ago.

On the Department of Health website a 'Situation Update to 19 December 2009' states: "The total number of confirmed cases remains at 23, with 21 residents and two non-residents.

"There are slightly more cases among males than females and the majority of cases are aged 25-44.

"There have been no confirmed deaths due to influenza A/H1N1."

In an update on H1N1 yesterday however, Government said a Bermudian had died from the 2009 strain of the influenza, also known as Swine Flu.

A statement said: "There have been two deaths recorded in Bermudians with influenza, including one laboratory confirmed case of 2009 H1N1 influenza."

Last night it was unclear whether the death had occurred in the past three weeks and if it was overseas or on the Island.

A Government spokeswoman refused to provide details on the date and name, age and sex of the victim, for reasons of protocol.

"Bermuda is a small community and the Ministry does not release any information that could identify the victims," she said.

In a statement yesterday Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Cann said that since H1N1 testing began in May, there have been 25 confirmed cases in Bermuda. Eleven people suspected of having the virus have been hospitalised. Dr. Cann also confirmed that "cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza continue to be reported on the Island".

However he added the virus "appears to have peaked in Western European countries and in North America".

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 12,220 deaths have been reported around the world from H1N1.

Since December 24, Government has made the H1N1 vaccine available to 'high risk' individuals at risk of complications from the virus. Dr. Cann said that among healthy children and adults, the disease was "usually a moderately severe illness".

A Department of Health spokeswoman stressed yesterday: "It is important to note there is no H1N1 epidemic in Bermuda. We cannot equate our situation here with what is going on in other countries because our deaths have been single cases.

"There is no recorded transmissions between individuals in Bermuda as there has been in other countries."

Shadow Health Minister Louise Jackson however, said the public had a right to know more about the fatality and other cases of infection on-Island.

"We have a right to know," she said. "For example, were the 11 people in hospital children, adults or seniors? Were they 'at risk' or healthy?

"If people don't have the information they need then they do become alarmed and rumours spread. We need information on the age groups affected and the possible sites of infection. Had the patients travelled recently? This is a call to Government to give the public information in order to lower the risk of infection.

"Society can only protect itself if it has the right information in its hands. We urge Government to move with speed to clarify all aspects of this situation."

Mrs. Jackson was also critical of the delay in obtaining the vaccine.

"Government promised the vaccine was going to be here in November and so to receive it late in December was way overdue," she said.

"We need clear, precise information on the presence and risks of the H1N1 influenza virus in Bermuda now. If cases of this strain of influenza have been seen as early as May 2009 and the vaccine is not available to the public until January 18, 2010, it is a concern.

"The H1N1 vaccine has been available around the world for months."

Government stated last year that Bermuda's supply was dependent on global demand once the vaccine became available in October.

Dr. Cann and Health Minister Walter Roban were unavailable for comment yesterday.

Who's at high risk for H1N1

Bermuda's Chief Medical Officer recommends the following people in 'high risk' categories obtain the H1N1 vaccine, due to possible complications from the virus:

* chronic lung disease such as asthma or emphysema;

* heart disease;

* chronic kidney disease;

* diabetes or a chronic metabolic disorder;

* severe anaemia;

* immunosuppressive disorders.

Vaccinations can be obtained from the Hamilton Health Centre, from 8.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. Monday to Friday. Individuals however, must first obtain a prescription from their doctor.

A limited number of vaccines have been distributed to GP surgeries. Children and pregnant women are among the prioritised patients.

Healthcare staff and community workers, such as sanitation employees, are also among those to receive the vaccine.

As from Monday, January 18, however, all members of the public can obtain the vaccine, from Hamilton Health Centre.

For more information, go to: www.health.gov.bm or www.cdc.gov/swineflu/.