death toll from new flu reaches 65

BANGKOK, July 29 (TNA) – The Public Health Ministry on Wednesday confirmed 21 more deaths from the Influenza type A (H1N1) in its weekly report, raising the country’s total fatalities to 65.

Most of the patients who died from the new flu virus had medical complications, according to Dr. Paichit Varachit, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Public Health.

The number of new infections was reported at 2,101, bringing the country’s total number of A (H1N1) cases to 8,877.

The Cabinet Tuesday approved a budget of 450 million baht (13.2 million dollars) to contain the influenza, the sum proposed by the public health ministry.

A portion will be used to purchase 20,000 sets of Zanamivir medication for patients who develop resistance to Oseltamivir, currently the primary anti-viral medication, Deputy Government spokesperson Phumin Leetheeraprasert said.

The approved budget will be also used for a flu-related public relations campaign and procurement of respirators for patients. (TNA)