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Death toll of A(H1N1) flu rises to 73 in Turkey

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-11-17 09:31

ANKARA: Turkey has seen 13 more deaths caused by the A(H1N1) flu, bringing the death toll of the deadly disease to 73 in the country, said an official statement on Monday.

The statement issued by Turkey's Health Ministry said that altogether 249 people infected with the flu were under treatment in hospitals and 56 of them were in intensive care units.

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Turkey has witnessed a fast rise of A(H1N1) flu deaths during the past few weeks, with the first A(H1N1) flu case reported on May 15. The first death case was a 28-year-old male hospital janitor in Ankara, who died on October 24.

On Monday, Turkey launched A(H1N1) flu vaccination for children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years as well as people suffering from chronic illnesses.

Vaccinations are being given free of charge at local health clinics and family health centers, according to the Health Ministry.

Health Minister Recep Akdag urged citizens not to hesitate to get vaccinated because some 400,000 people might have contracted the virus in the country.

"A virus is present that could exist throughout the winter season. We will vaccinate at-risk groups first," the minister said.

However, he said, every vaccine may have side effects. "We vaccinated around 300,000 health personnel, and all of them are fine."

He said that 2.4 million doses of the flu vaccine are available in Turkey.