Victorian health authorities have confirmed that an eighth person has died as a result of Melbourne‘s ‘thunderstorm asthma‘ crisis last week. One person remains in critical care.
The crisis last week occurred when a humid weather change caused pollen to burst into smaller fragments which were then inhaled. This caused widespread asthmatic symptoms, even in those who generally do not experience them. More than 8,500 people attended emergency departments as a result.
“This was a tragic and unforeseen event and hospitals are continuing to treat seven people for a variety of respiratory and other related conditions,” the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services said.
“Ambulance paramedics, emergency services staff and dedicated doctors, nurses and pharmacy staff saved the lives hundreds of Victorians who received treatment as a result of their symptoms.”
The Inspector-General for Emergency Management has announced an investigation into the cause of the deaths.
Source: 9 News.
Photo: Twitter.
