Swine flu deaths go up to 7 in Myanmar

The Health Department under Myanmar's Ministry of Health and Sports confirmed Saturday that two more H1N1-positive patients died at a hospital in the country's commercial capital, Yangon, bringing the total number of swine flu victims to seven since Tuesday.

A total of 41 people have been infected with the H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu, and are being treated at hospitals in Yangon, the department said in a press release. It was reported on Thursday that about 30 other patients had tested positive for the virus.

The seven victims include a 25-year old pregnant woman who died Tuesday, and and a five-year old girl who died Wednesday.The ministry, on Thursday, also confirmed a bird flu outbreak in Dawei, capital of the country's southernmost region of Tanintharyi, adding about 2,000 chickens had been culled on July 16 to prevent the spread of the H5N1 virus.

According to local media reports, local authorities imposed a temporary ban on chicken and egg sales, and closed all schools (universities not included) in Dawei Township this week.The first outbreak of swine flu in the country was confirmed in 2009 with a total of 66 patients having tested positive for H1N1. No fatalities were reported.