H1N1 flu - Ukraine

Article published on the 2009-11-06 Latest update 2009-11-06 11:32 TU

Kiev, Ukraine
(Photo: Reuters)

Health officials in Ukraine say the number of deaths from the H1N1 virus has risen to 95, but there are some signs the epidemic is easing. The new figure is a jump of nine from the death toll announced by officials on Wednesday.

The Deputy Health Minister, Zinovy Mytnyk, says there are now 633,877 people suffering from flu and acute respiratory infections in Ukraine. But he added that the first signs of the outbreak receding had been detected in the west of the country.

The outbreak, which caused panic and a run on pharmacies, prompted Ukrainian authorities to launch tough measures including the closure of schools and an appeal for help to world powers.

Some experts say that rival Ukranian leaders may be trying to exploit popular fears ahead of presidential polls on 17 January as each candidate seeks to take the initiative in the fight against the epidemic.

Elsewhere, Hong Kong has ordered three million doses of H1N1 vaccine ahead of more outbreaks of the virus this winter.

A free vaccination programme is to be offered to around two million people in high risk groups. These include healthcare workers, pregnant women, the elderly and children under six years of age. Thirty nine people have died of the virus in Hong Kong so far.

And South Korea is looking into claims that Swiss pharmaceuticals giant Roche was involved in illegal sales of the vaccine Tamiflu.

The offices of Roche Holdings were raided by the Korea Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday. Computer files and other documents were seized as part of an investigation which alleges local hospitals, drugstores and companies are selling or stocking Tamiflu illegally.

South Korea law prevents large-scale drug purchases by non-medical professionals without a doctor's prescription.