Four people in Shan State capital Taunggyi have been confirmed infected with the H1N1 virus, while three others are under observation, according to the deputy of Shan State’s Public Health Department on Wednesday.

Dr. Sai Zaw Win Hlaing said that four swine flu victims have been identified: a three-year-old girl from Paya Phyu tract of Taunggyi Township; and a five-year-old girl, a 37-year-old man, and a pregnant woman, aged 27, all from Heho town.

“The two girls and the woman are being treated at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. The man is receiving treatment at Sao Jarm Tun Hospital,” he said. “The other three patients are undergoing tests.”

In late July, two patients were diagnosed with H1N1 at a military hospital in eastern Shan State’s Kengtung Township.

By July 21, the Ministry of Health and Sport said, 17 persons had died from swine flu across Burma, while 166 people had tested positively to the virus. Currently, the government said, more than 400 persons are undergoing tests throughout the country.

Since 2009, swine flu, also known as A (H1N1), has been among the strains of influenza that have spread in Burma during a global pandemic. However, until this year no deaths had been reported.

By Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN)