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Fayette Co. Woman's Death H1N1 Flu-Related

Reporting
Trina Orlando

CONNELLSVILLE (KDKA) ―

Click to enlarge 1 of 1: According to family members, 31-year-old Danielle Shuckhart of Connellsville died on Nov. 2.
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A Fayette County woman has died from complications of the H1N1 flu.

According to family members, 31-year-old Danielle Shuckhart of Connellsville died on Nov. 2.

The Fayette County Coroner says the 31-year-old had extensive lung inflammation caused by pneumonia after contracting the H1N1 virus.

The coroner says Medical Examiner Cyril Wecht will now look into whether the woman had any underlying conditions that could have made her more susceptible to complications from the virus.

They'll test her heart, lungs and smoking history. The coroner says the only difference between this woman and other women her age who have gotten the virus is her weight and they don't believe that was a fatal factor this case.

Shuckhart leaves behind three children: Tristen, 12, Alexis, 5, and Gage, 4.

Family members say she was a strong woman who loved spending time with her kids, camping, fishing and doing other outdoor activities.

Family members say she had flu-like symptoms and was treated for pneumonia at Highlands Hospital. The symptoms didn't go away and she died at home.

The Fayette County Coroner would only speak because county health officials are off for the holiday, but said if you think you have flu-like symptoms the best thing to do is run your symptoms past your family doctor because Tamiflu is most effective when administered early.

Family members of Shuckhart say if you think you have flu-like symptoms get to the doctor as quickly as possible. They are planning to setup a memorial fund for Shuckhart's kids sometime this week.

Shuckhart is the fifth person in the area to die from H1N1. There have been two deaths in Allegheny County, one in Butler County and one in Morgantown, W.Va.