Cold virus causes 11 deaths in Tunisia

TUNIS, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- Tunisia's Ministry of Health identified 11 cases of deaths from influenza A (H1N1 virus), more than a week after a cold snap swept across the country, local media reported.

The consultation rate for influenza stands at 6.5 percent, down from the peak rate of 10 percent, Tunisian Minister of Health Imed Hammami said during a television interview.

According to Nabiha Borsali Falfoul, director general of health at the ministry, fewer than 5,000 doses of influenza vaccine are left out of 300,000 doses imported for the winter season.

The ministry has just ordered 100,000 additional doses, Falfoul added.

But "the vaccine against the flu is only a preventive measure and can not in any case cure the sick," she warned.

"The hygiene measures are essential, and the virus targets more easily people with fragile health conditions, such as pregnant women, the elderly, and people with excessive obesity or chronic diseases," the health official noted. Enditem