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Springfield woman dies from H1N1

Contributed photo Tasha Robinson, 26, of Springfield, died as a result of the H1N1 virus, health officials confirmed today, Tuesday, Nov 3, 2009.

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By Tony Black 4:51 PM Tuesday, November 3, 2009

SPRINGFIELD — The Clark County Coroner’s office confirmed Tuesday, Nov. 3, that a Springfield woman is the first in the county to die from the H1N1 influenza.

Tasha Robinson, 26, died at her home early Tuesday, Oct. 27.

Robinson, who had no underlying medical conditions, was in the emergency department with what appeared to be bronchitis about two days before she died, said Dr. Richard Marsh, Clark County coroner.

While in the hospital, Robinson was tested for H1N1, said Dr. Stephen Feagins, medical director at Springfield Regional Medical Center.

“The test came back negative,” he said, “(and) she did not have a high fever at that time.”

Robinson was given antibiotics for the bronchitis and was sent home.

Her family, who asked not to be interviewed, told Marsh during his investigation that Robinson started feeling worse with a high fever around 3 a.m. Tuesday and was found dead about four hours later.

Both he and Marsh said it appeared the hospital followed proper protocol related to Robinson’s symptoms. The hospital is doing an extensive review, Feagins said.

The H1N1, which has caused the death of 292 people nationally since Aug. 30, hits people in their 20s especially hard. In the last two weeks, Springfield Regional Medical Center has had 12 individuals on ventilators — the majority of them in their mid-20s, Feagins said.

Health Commissioner Charles Patterson said he did not want people to panic but he urged those who are considered high risk to be vaccinated. Robinson would not have qualified for the vaccine because she was older than 24 and considered healthy.

Feagins added that the H1N1 does not present itself in the same manner as the seasonal flu and that anyone who is experiencing a high fever with influenza-like symptoms should contact a doctor immediately.

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