TAMPA BAY, FL -- Health officials say three people have died from swine flu in the Tampa Bay area. Two of the deaths occurred in Sarasota County and the third in Polk County.
The Sarasota Health Department said Friday that a 47-year-old man died from the virus at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. That word came one day health officials there reported the death of a 22-year-old man. It was the first flu-related death reported in the county.
There are 112 confirmed cases in Sarasota County, according to health officials.
"These deaths are tragic and a sobering reminder that influenza is serious, and can be fatal. Our staff continues to monitor this disease in our community, and reminds residents to take precautions to avoid the flu," said William Heymann, Medical Executive Director for the Sarasota County Health Department.
In Polk County, the H1N1 virus has claimed the life of a 31-year-old man. Health officials did not provide any other details.
"This is a very sad occurrence and our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends of this individual," said Dr. Celeste Philip, Acting Medical Director for the Polk County Health Department. "Unfortunately, we know that there is H1N1 in our community and we will continue to see cases in Polk."
Polk County has 72 confirmed cases of swine flu.
Statewide, 2,188 cases of the H1N1 virus have been confirmed.
