Swine flu outbreak in Ukraine now claims over 300 lives

Following on from our report last month that Russia has issued health warnings regarding the escalating number of cases of H1N1 flu, or swine flu, over 300 people have now been reported killed in just over four months by a swine flu outbreak in Ukraine; the toll is already higher than that seen during the global swine flu pandemic in 2009-10 and incidence is almost 50% higher than the same period last year. Analysis reveals that all of the dead had not been vaccinated against influenza as a "culture of vaccination" is lacking among both doctors and the public, say experts. The outbreak has failed to get much attention though as the Ukrainian government is struggling with a looming coalition break-up and struggles against rebels controlling territory to the east.

At least 313 people have died of influenza epidemic in Ukraine during the cold season, the country's health ministry said on Thursday.

Health officials said most of the deaths were caused by the H1N1 flu or swine flu, but they failed to give a specified number in this regard, reports Xinhua.

The deaths occurred in all but two Ukrainian regions, with the southern Odessa region and the country's capital city of Kiev being the hardest hit, where 40 and 37 people have died, respectively, said the statement on the ministry's website.

All of the victims had not been vaccinated and two-thirds of them sought medical treatment too late, the statement said.

On January 16, Ukraine declared the influenza epidemic, which had been affecting 9.6% of the country's population. Authorities ordered the closure of colleges, schools and kindergartens and advised people to wear protective masks in public places in an attempt to stop the virus.