First Death from Influenza in Khuzestan Province

Yousef Paridar, the head of Dezful University of Medical Sciences, reported the death of one person in Khuzestan Province due to influenza and announced the readiness of all medical units in the city to combat this virus. Previously, there had been no official reports of the virus spreading to Khuzestan or any deaths caused by this disease. According to a report on Thursday (December 26), Mr. Paridar announced this news in a press conference with journalists. He mentioned that '57 people' have died across the country due to influenza, adding that 'most of these individuals had underlying health conditions.' As Paridar stated, the influenza victim in Khuzestan 'acted late in seeking diagnosis and following the doctor's orders, which led to their death.' The head of Dezful University of Medical Sciences noted that 'because the strain of this influenza virus differs from other influenza viruses, individuals without underlying health conditions should also take preventive health measures.' Prior reports indicated at least 42 deaths in the provinces of Sistan and Baluchestan, Kerman, Lorestan, and hospitalizations in various cities, including Abadan and Karaj, due to influenza. The announcement of the disease's spread to Khuzestan came as Health Minister Hassan Hashemi reassured the public not to be 'worried,' stating that the deceased 'primarily had underlying health conditions such as old age or immune deficiencies.' He added that the ministry has everything 'under control' regarding influenza and urged the media not to overly alarm the public and to fulfill their duty of accurate information dissemination. Hossein Ali Shahriari, head of the Health and Treatment Commission of the Parliament, also recommended that infants, children, and the elderly get vaccinated to reduce the number of fatalities from this disease. Rasoul Khazari, a member of the Health and Treatment Commission, quoted teams dispatched by the commission to Sistan and Baluchestan and Kerman, stating, 'Those who died had underlying health conditions and none had been vaccinated.' Swine influenza is a type of acute respiratory disease observed in pigs that can also infect humans. The Health Minister recommended frequent hand washing and avoiding direct contact with infected individuals to prevent influenza infection.