Soldier dies after contracting swine flu
Your support helps us to tell the story
In my reporting on women's reproductive rights, I've witnessed the critical role that independent journalism plays in protecting freedoms and informing the public.
Your support allows us to keep these vital issues in the spotlight. Without your help, we wouldn't be able to fight for truth and justice.
Every contribution ensures that we can continue to report on the stories that impact lives
Kelly Rissman
US News Reporter
A soldier was revealed today as the latest patient to die after getting swine flu.
Bombardier Lee Porter, from Coleraine in Northern Ireland, died last week, two weeks after contracting the bug. He had underlying health problems.
The 30-year-old member of the Royal Artillery is thought to be the first UK serviceman to have fallen victim with the bug.
According to the Sun, Bombardier Porter died on Friday at Frimley Park hospital in Surrey.
That would make him the 28th person known to have died after getting swine flu in England.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said: "It is with great sadness that the MoD must confirm the death of Bombardier Lee Porter, who contracted Swine Flu two weeks ago, which complicated existing health problems.
"Our thoughts go out to his family, who were at his bedside at the time."
Friends paid tribute to him on social networking site Bebo.
Kelly Treacy wrote: "Lee, u were always so good to me and looked out for me like I was ur little sister. U were so kind to me and never let any1 give me any hassle, regardless of their rank."
Robert Deans added: "RIP, mate. You will be missed by all at 207 Bty. You were a great guy and full of life, Deansy."
And Marky said: "RIP lee, i dont think words can describe just how much that u will b missed. a one in a million guy!"
Elsewhere, a British schoolgirl was on a life support machine in a Greek hospital.
Natasha Newman, 16, from Highgate, north London, is being treated in Athens after falling ill on the island of Cephalonia.
Doctors at the intensive care unit of Penteli Children's Hospital described her condition as serious but stable.
Some 150,000 people in the UK have received the anti-viral drug Tamiflu via the National Pandemic Flu Service, which launched 10 days ago.
Bombardier Porter's family today thanked friends for the support they had shown and said in a brief statement issued through the Ministry of Defence in Northern Ireland that they wanted to be left alone to grieve "at this tragic time".
A total of 22 Britons are in quarantine worldwide because of swine flu and are receiving assistance, a spokesman for the Foreign Office said.
However, he said the true figure could be higher as not everyone would seek help from the Foreign Office.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments