Health Ministry: 150 000 Bulgarians Infected with Swine Flu

Bulgaria's Chief Epidemiologist, Dr. Angel Kunchev, has reported that 150 000 people are currently ill from the A(H1N1) virus – swine flu – in Bulgaria.

Dr. Kunchev stated that there are regions of the country where 400 out of every 10 000 people have the virus. He gave Yambol, Gabrovo, Pleven and Varna as examples of areas where the situation has reached this level.

Dr. Kunchev advised patients that if "Relenza" and "Tamiflu" can’t be found in pharmacies to turn to the local hospital, where it should be given out for free.

A 52-year-old man and a 15-year-old teenager were reported to have died of swine flu Monday in Petrich and Kavarna respectively.

Bulgaria declared a swine flu epidemic on Friday, November 6. All schools in the country are currently on a flu break that started Monday.