Three more people die of flu in Cyprus, bring total to 16

Three more people have died from complications as a result of influenza A, bringing the total of  flu-related deaths to 16 this winter, the Cyprus Health Ministry said on Tuesday.

It said in the past week there has been a significant drop in the number of cases, although the virus remained active and was expected to remain active until at least the end of March.

Since December 1 to today, a total of 58 serious cases have been recorded. Most patients have been discharged but some remain in hospital.

There are currently four serious cases in intensive care units at the large hospitals. In the past 48 hours there have been no new admissions, the ministry said.

However it said that in recent days and since the last official announcement, there have been three deaths as a resulted of flu related complications, bringing the total to 16.

The three new cases are patients who had been in hospital from between 13 and 57 days, two of whom had underlying  medical conditions.

The ministry said that the flu vaccine remains the best precaution particularly for vulnerable groups and said there was ample stock of vaccines.

The general public is urged to take basic precautions, including keeping their living areas well ventilated, washing their hands frequently and avoiding crowded indoor spaces.

Source: In-Cyprus