H1N1 Flu kills 45 in Thailand this year

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BANGKOK: H1N1 virus has claimed the lives of 45 people in Thailand since early this year, Thai News Agency (TNA) reported.

Dr. Sopon Mekthon, director-general of the Department of Disease Control at the Ministry of Public Health, said a total of 29,821 cases were reported in 21 provinces across the country from January 5 to April 19 this year.

The provinces include Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, Chai Nat, Samut Prakan, Chanthaburi and Phetchaburi.

The highest mortality rate was reported among patients in the 55-64 and 45- 54 age group.

Dr. Sopon said groups at the highest risk of contracting the virus are those with chronic diseases or aged 60 years and above and pregnant women.

H1NI virus first appeared in Thailand in 2010 before resurfacing again this year.–BERNAMA