BAGHDAD, Dec 26 (NNN-NINA) — Two people died of swine flu, also known as influenza A/H1N1, and eight other cases were confirmed infected, in Iraq’s central province of Salahudin, a medical source said.
The two deaths are from one family in the village of al-Shakra, near the city of Shirqat, some 280 km north of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, Abdullah Ammash, a doctor from the city’s main hospital, said.
“Eight suspected cases of swine flu were officially registered in the same village, and were transferred to Shirqat Hospital, where they were confirmed infected with the virus after laboratory tests,” Ammash said.
He also called on the Salahudin’s Health Directorate and the Iraqi ministry of health to send medical assistance to control the virus.
Meanwhile, the Directorate of Education in Salahudin, announced the suspension of all schools in the village and neighbouring villages until further notice.
H1N1 influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease, with symptoms generally including upper respiratory problems, but the airborne illness can cause severe pneumonia and even death.– NNN-NINA
