Australia's tally from A/H1N1 flu-related deaths rose to 12 on Monday after a man in his early 50s became the first to die with the virus in the Northern Territory (NT).

Health authorities have confirmed that the man died at the Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH) as a result of underlying risk factors in combination with the A/H1N1 influenza virus.

"This is the first A/H1N1-related death to have occurred in the Northern Territory and RDH staff extend their sincerest sympathy to the patient's family and friends for their sad loss," RDH general manager Len Notaras said in a statement.

A NT Health spokesman said no further details would be released at this stage, in consideration of privacy for the family.

More than 350 people in the NT have been diagnosed with A/H1N1 flu.

(Xinhua News Agency July 7, 2009)