Swine flu

55,867 infected by swine flu worldwide

Article published on the 2009-06-25 Latest update 2009-06-26 14:06 TU

(Credit: Wikipedia)

THE World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that the Swine flu has infected 55,867 people in 109 countries and territories, and has killed 238 people since March. A report released by the organisation says there have been an extra 3,707 new cases and seven more deaths since the last toll released.

Meanwhile, five women basketball players and their male coach were confirmed as first Swine flu cases in Iraq. The north’s autonomous Kurdish region says the six returned from Chicago a week ago, and had since been kept in hospital for tests to determine their condition.

"The tests showed they have swine flu virus. They are currently in hospital and their health is getting better,"  said regional health minister Ziryan Osman.

In a similar vein, the small Pacific nation of Vanuatu has recorded its first cases of swine flu. Two children, aged five and living in different communities were tested positive after taking tests in Melbourne.

"These two children were brought with mild flu-like symptoms three weeks ago to Vila Central Hospital and throat swab samples were collected," according to a hospital statement. It added that the children have fully recovered, and no serious cases of sick people have been found in their families or nearby communities.

The latest figures show that Canada had the largest increase in cases from 747 to a total of 6,457 including 15 dead. Australia came in second with 2,857 cases and two dead.

Of the seven new deaths, according to the report, two each occurred in Mexico and Canada, one each in Australia, the Philippines and the Dominican Republic.

The United States remains the worst hit worldwide, with 87 deaths out of the 21,449 cases.