The Health Department of Terengganu state in Malaysia has confirmed that a pregnant woman has died of the influenza A virus (H1N1).

Illustrative image (Source: Reuters file photo)

According to the department director Mohammad Omar, the woman was admitted to the state hospital on April 7 after suffering from fever for a week.

She was treated at a private hospital before being referred to the state hospital, he noted, adding that there was positive improvement at first but she died on April 13.

The director also rejected reports that the A/H1N1 outbreak was worsening in the state and urged people not to panic as the disease has been categorised as seasonal influenza since 2013.

According to him, since 2013, Malaysia has recorded only 27 A/H1N1 - infected cases in Sarawak state. The country now has an average of 10 case of suspected A/H1N1 every month and the majority of them recover after receiving treatment.

The A/H1N1 virus causes pernicious respiratory infection. Its symptoms are similar to seasonal flu, with fever, cold, cough and unpleasant stomach. The virus then spreads to respiratory system, causing other complicated symptoms such as wheezing and phlegm. Vulnerable groups include the elderly, children, pregnant women, diabetics, cancer patients and HIV-positive people.

(Source: VNA)