‘Thunderstorm asthma’: Three people remain critical, at least four dead

 

 

‘Thunderstorm asthma’: Three people remain critical, at least four dead

Three people remain in a critical condition after Melbourne’s “thunderstorm asthma” emergency, with a number more in intensive care units, Victoria’s health department says.

Thousands of people were affected by the condition on Monday, after heavy rain caused rye grass pollen to absorb moisture and burst, dispersing smaller particles that became trapped in people’s lungs.

At least four people died, hospitals were swamped with emergency patients, and firefighters and police were called on to help paramedics respond to thousands of calls for assistance.

A Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) spokesman said doctors were monitoring the condition of several patients still in hospital.

“There continues to be patients in metropolitan Melbourne intensive care units associated with this event, with three in a critical condition,” a statement said.

The spokesman said the DHHS was aware “of a number of deaths that may be associated with thunderstorm asthma”, which were being investigated.

“Due to the complex nature and scale of the event further comment is not appropriate until a cause of death has been attributed for these cases,” he said.

“It is expected this will be closely examined as part of the Inspector-General of Emergency Management’s state-wide review.”

The four confirmed victims are Omar Moujalled, 18, Hope Carnevali, 20, Apollo Papadopoulos, 35, and Clarence Leo.

Mr Moujalled, a student at the Australian International Academy at Coburg North, was only days away from finishing high school.

‘Like 150 bombs going off across Melbourne’

Victoria’s Health Minister Jill Hennessy, speaking on Thursday morning, said seven people were still in intensive care, but a number were expected to be released into general wards…..More Here

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