CASTRIES, St Lucia - The first death linked to the Influenza A (H1N1) virus here was confirmed yesterday.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Joshia Rambally told a news conference that the unnamed 45-year-old male patient had been suffering from the virus, commonly referred to as "Swine Flu", for a number of days and had recently been admitted to hospital.

"Individuals with persistent flu symptoms should seek medical care immediately at the nearest health centre or other health facility," Rambally said, warning that individuals with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes and lung disease were at a very high risk for developing severe complications if they contracted the virus.

Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, Barbados and Jamaica are among Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries that have reported deaths linked to the virus. (CMC)