The Cuban health authorities are "worried" about the second wave of the influenza A/H1N1 virus with the coming of the fall, local press reported Monday.

"We are more worried because in the first pandemic wave the virus has moved very fast and it could bring surprises," Cuban Public Health Minister Luis Estruch was quoted as saying on Monday by the Cuban daily Granma.

The virus has affected 468 people in the country, including 150 children, as of last weekend.

Pregnant women, children with brain disabilities and people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, breathing disease, heart problems, immune deficiencies, as well as overweight people are the most susceptible, the ministry said.

Cuba has requested the WHO cooperation for A/H1N1 vaccines in anticipation of the second wave of the virus, which, according to the World Health Organization, would be stronger than the previous one.

(Xinhua News Agency October 6, 2009)