By noon on 17 August, 27 persons in Burma had died from the recent pandemic of swine flu, according to the Ministry of Health and Sports.
In a statement, the ministry announced that 725 persons nationwide had been hospitalised for severe respiratory tract infections, 277 of whom had been diagnosed with the H1N1 influenza virus.
The government said it had adopted special measures to provide effective treatment not only to those affected with H1N1 but also to those patients suffering from respiratory tract infections.
In Sagaing Division, it has been reported that four family members of a medical doctor in Tantse Township had contracted H1N1, as had two family members of a doctor in the village of Mon Yway Kyay Mone.
A university student and a medical worker in Monywa have also been diagnosed with the virus.
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“The number of people in Sagaing contracting this strain of influenza has doubled within a week,” said Dr. Zaw Win, the regional minister for social services, speaking today to DVB.
“All the patients are currently receiving treatment in a special observation ward at Monywa General Hospital and their health is gradually improving,” he said, adding that the ages of those infected ranges from two to 67. He said that 100 health workers assigned to treating the patients had each been given a vaccine.
