At least 26 people have died from the H1N1 virus in the past two weeks, including four children, a pace that threatens to top the deadly record set just two years ago, the Ministry of Health and Sports announced today.
Last year, there were no deaths in Myanmar, while authorities confirmed 13 cases of the virus, which is popularly known as the “swine flu.” In 2017, an H1N1 outbreak saw 406 confirmed cases claim 30 lives.
Since the year’s first H1N1 death was reported on June 19, 25 more have succumbed to the illness, which presents itself with flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, body aches and, in severe cases, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
“In Yangon, there have been 22 deaths, the highest number in Myanmar. We have also tested 99 positive cases out of more than 340 cases in three regions: Sagaing, Ayerwaddy and Yangon,” Dr. Phyu Phyu Aye, director of the Department of Public Health, told Coconuts Yangon over the phone.
Health authorities have warned citizens to avoid public areas and to step up their hygiene habits, encouraging people to wash their hands frequently, sneeze into their elbows, and avoid touching their own face.
Moreover, they’ve requested that the public keep calm during the outbreak, stating that most of the victims so far were already suffering from a mix of chronic health problems
“People who are suffering from chronic health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart and lung problems will have weaker immune systems. The young and the old are also especially vulnerable,” she said.
The virus first arrived in Myanmar via a Singaporean flight, when a Burmese girl who was visiting her relatives in the island nation presented symptoms at her school. Since then, H1N1 has resurfaced in Myanmar annually.
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