YANGON, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- The total death toll of influenza A (H1N1) pdm 09 reached 116 in Myanmar's regions and states as of Friday, according to figures released by the Ministry of Health and Sports on Saturday.
The release from the Public Health Department under the ministry said a total of 578 people were infected by the H1N1 seasonal influenza from Jan. 1 to Oct. 18 this year.
Most of the deaths were those who suffered from the seasonal influenza with underlying diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, and other immune-deficiency conditions.
During the period, Yangon region registered highest mortality rate with 68 deaths.
According to the statistics from the Central Epidemiology Unit under the department, 58 percent of the seasonal influenza infection cases cover the age group of 15-65 years old.
Prevention and control of H1N1 virus to reduce the risk of fatality from the virus is underway by the health authorities and people are urged to follow recommended precautionary measures.
The seasonal influenza virus was detected in Myanmar in July 2017, claiming at least 38 lives and 408 people were infected.
The influenza virus spread through airborne droplets from sneezing and coughing or by hands which are contaminated with secretions.
Its symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches, chills as well as vomiting and diarrhea, and they come within one to five days which is called incubation period after exposure to the infected person.
