The death toll from A/H1N1 influenza in Uruguay rose to seven after the authorities on Wednesday reported the death of a 53-year-old male patient.

Adriana Brescia, health director of Florida province, told the press Wednesday that the patient had many complications, like respiratory diseases, diabetes and obesity.

The patient died on Saturday, but his death was not reported until Wednesday after the causes of his death were confirmed with lab tests.

The other six victims also had underlying diseases or organic problems.

The ministry on Tuesday refused to apply new control measures, such as the closure of border or the extension of winter school holidays. Health Minister Maria Julia Munoz said that the current situation "does not require extreme measures."

According to the latest official report, 72 people have been hospitalized in Uruguay due to H1N1 flu since the country reported its first two cases of the novel flu on May 27.

(Xinhua News Agency July 9, 2009)