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A/H1N1 virus outbreak reaches Italy

Other News Materials 2 May 2009 16:28 (UTC +04:00)

The first case of human infection by virus A/H1N1 has been confirmed in Italy, the Reuter quoted local Italian press as saying, the RIA Novosti reported.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Saturday that the number of confirmed cases of human influenza A/H1N1, which is also known as porcine influenza, has risen to 615.

A total of 17 people died as the result of infection by A/H1N1, WHO said. Mexico, which is regarded as a hotbed of influenza, has become the first officially confirmed that 397 people are infected and 16 died. The United States reported 141 case of the disease. One of them died.

The virus is also registered in Canada, Spain, Great Britain, Israel, New Zealand, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Denmark, France, South Korea and the Special Administrative Region of China Hong Kong (Hong Kong).

On Wednesday, April 29, the WHO raised the threat of pandemic influenza A/H1N1 to five. WHO experts believe that the current seasonal influenza vaccine ineffective in the fight against influenza A/H1N1.

Consumption of pork and pork offal, subjected to thorough cooking, does not bear risk of contracting the virus, said WHO. In order to prevent infection one should regularly wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.

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