Health authorities in the breakaway northern Cyprus have confirmed the first death from the H1N1 virus in the Mediterranean island.

The victim was 59-year-old Cemil Kanat, a village muhktar (head of village), who had been suffering from "chronic lung condition and diabetes," the Turkish daily Cyprus reported on Saturday.

He had received treatment in hospital since November 4 but died of pneumonia on Friday.

The "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," which is only recognized by Turkey, has closed some schools on temporary basis due to the spread of H1N1 virus.

(Xinhua News Agency November 15, 2009)