A NEW mother from Abergavenny has died from swine flu just weeks after giving birth.

The 21-year-old, died on Friday, October 9 after contracting the H1N1 virus.

When approached by the Chronicle earlier this week, the Welsh Assembly Government refused to comment on speculation. However, they went on to confirm that a pregnant woman from was admitted to Nevill Hall Hospital for a caesarean section on September 25. The baby was delivered safely and is well, but the patient was transferred to the hospital's Intensive Care Unit, after deteriorating. The woman was transferred to the ExtraCorporeal Membrane Oxygenation centre at Glenfield Hospital in Leicester on September 30.

At the request of the family no personal details have been released.

The Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Tony Jewell, said: "We would like to send our condolences to the family and friends of the women at this difficult time.

"Sadly as the number of swine flu cases rise, the number of people experiencing severe symptoms or complications or even death will inevitably increase. This is the same for seasonal flu in the winter. We should receive the swine flu vaccine in the coming weeks and shortly after GPs will begin administering the vaccines to those most at risk of complications and frontline health and social care workers.

"I must stress that for the vast majority of healthy people, the infection remains mild and they should recover within five to seven days with rest, plenty of fluids and paracetemol.

"People with underlying health conditions, especially heart and lung diseases, are at most risk. Even in the at risk groups – those with chronic conditions, pregnant women and children under 5 and those 65 and over – most people get over the infection with no major concerns.

"If people are concerned, or if they are in these at risk groups, they should contact their GP. Antivirals have the most impact within 48 hours of the onset of flu-like symptoms."