Australia : Three Young Children Die From Mysterious 'Instant' Flu

Virus Caused "Serious Illness Within 24 Hours"

In three days, three children younger than five years old have died in Perth, Western Australia from a severe 'instant' flu, which causes serious illness within 24 hours :

The department is urging parents to quickly see a doctor if their children show signs of respiratory illness.

Director of communicable disease control, Dr Paul Van Buynder, said the speed at which the three children fell ill was a concern.

"While we do not want to create unnecessary panic, it is important for parents to be aware that the disease can cause serious illness within 24 hours..."

"Parents whose children have cold or flu like symptoms, including a cough and a fever, should see their general practitioner."

No official word on which strain of flu virus this is, but we'll let you know more tomorrow, if details become available.

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