Morocco: death toll of H1N1 victims rises to 11

Authorities Sunday put the death toll of people affected by H1N1 virus to 11 spread across six cities.

The health ministry said four people died in Casablanca, three in Tangier, while Fez, Rabat, Azilal and Tan-Tan recorded one death each.

Morocco reported the first case of H1N1 Monday with the first death case declared Wednesday following rumors on social media.

Fifty-Eight people have tested positive for the influenza syndrome and 32 among them are still receiving treatment, the ministry told state-run news agency MAP.

Symptoms of H1N1 include a sore throat, fever, a stuffy and runny nose, headaches, body aches, and continuous fatigue.

The government urged populations not to panic, noting that all heath facilities are equipped to face the outbreak.

The epidemiological situation is under control compared with previous years, the ministry said.

Each year, seasonal flu kills many people, namely the elderly, pregnant women, children, asthma patients and smokers, Health minister Anas Doukkali told Asharq Al-Awsat.