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Italy estimated to lead EU in A(H1N1) flu cases

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-10-30 15:45

ROME: Italy is estimated to have the highest rate of A(H1N1) flu virus infections in Europe, according to statistics released Thursday by the Health Ministry.

According to Junior Health Minister Ferruccio Fazio, the A(H1N1) flu virus was spreading faster in Italy, with 380 cases per 100,000 residents, than in France and Britain, which reported 30 cases per 100,000 residents.

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"The latest figures tell us that Italy has the greatest rate of cases in Europe together with Spain," Fazio said.

The number of flu casualties in the country has so far amounted to 10.

This week, four men, all with chronic medical conditions, died of the virus in the southern city of Naples.

In mid-October, medical and healthcare workers in the country began to be vaccinated, and other high-risk persons are expected to get immunized at the end of this month.