Australia’s asthma deaths on the rise
FATAL POLLEN:
Toll climbs to 6, thousands sent to hospitals
THE death toll from Australia’s “thunderstorm asthma” episode has risen to six and three others are in critical condition, authorities said yesterday, as they assessed the fallout from the unprecedented event.
Four victims, aged 18 to 35, were last week linked unusual weather where a thunderstorm coincided with a high pollen count, and sent more than 8,500 patients to hospital emergency departments.
The rare event in Australia’s southern state of Victoria triggered respiratory problems for asthma and hay fever sufferers.
“There have now been six deaths that may have occurred as a result of conditions relating to the thunderstorm asthma events on Monday,” Victoria’s Health Department spokesman said.
“Five patients are continuing to receive specialist intensive care unit in Melbourne, with three still in critical condition.”
during the Monkey near the Phra Prang Sam Yot temple in Thailand, yesterday. A tourist taking a as a monkey climbs on his arm. Reuters pix
A further 12 people were being treated for respiratory and other health problems, he added.
Victorian Health Minister Jill Hennessy said on Thursday the demand for ambulances was so acute at one point that “it was like having 150 bombs going off right across a particular part of metropolitan Melbourne”.
The government has launched a review into how emergency and health services can better respond and manage such rare events.
The phenomena occurs when rye grass pollen gets wet, breaks into smaller pieces and enters people’s lungs, causing them breathing issues. AFP