Myanmar swine flu toll increases to 19

The death toll from swine flu in Myanmar has risen to 19 with over dozens still hospitalised due to respiratory problems, state-media reported on Friday.

The Ministry of Health confirmed the death of two children from the regions of Irrawaddy and Magwe who were hospitalised here, reports Efe news.

The ministry reported 183 people have contracted the virus, according to the blood analyses carried out between July 21 and August 9, of which 63 are being treated in various parts of the country.

Most of the patients are recovering from the flu, added the authorities.

In July, the ministry submitted a report on the epidemiological situation to the World Health Organisation, requesting assistance to contain the virus, vaccines, medicines and detection equipment, among others.

Myanmar has not experienced an H1N1 influenza outbreak since the 2009 global pandemic, in which dozens of people in the country were infected.

Authorities also reported last week on the first cases - since 2006 - of H7N9 virus, commonly known as bird flu, which was detected in June in Dawei leading to the culling of about 1,800 chicken.

--IANS

ksk