YANGON, July 30 (Xinhua) -- A total of 81 people have died of seasonal influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 as of Monday, according to the figures from the Public Health Department under the Ministry of Health and Sports on Tuesday.
From Jan. 1 to July 29 this year, 366 laboratory-confirmed H1N1 influenza cases were reported, the department's release said.
During the period, Yangon region registered highest mortality rate with 62 people, followed by Ayeyarwady and Bago with five each, Sagaing with two and Magway with one death, respectively.
Also, three deaths were reported in Mon state while Rakhine, Kachin and Shan states registered one death each.
Of total deaths, 65 dead were people who suffered from H1N1 influenza with co-morbid conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory diseases and other immune-deficiency conditions, the Central Epidemiology Unit and National Health Laboratory said in a report.
This year's death toll broke the record of 2017 when there were 38 deaths and at least 400 infected people registered nationwide.
The symptoms of seasonal influenza come within one to five days which is called incubation period after exposure for the infected person as the virus is spread through airborne droplets from sneezing and coughing or by hands which are contaminated with secretions.
