Iran swine flue death toll hits 16

Iran's Health Ministry's latest updates confirm that swine flu has claimed the lives of 16 people across the country as new infected cases push the tally to 1194.

"The number of swine flu deaths in Iran has reached 16. The country's central cities of Qom and Arak as well as some cities in southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan have the highest rate," said Deputy Health Minister Hassan Emami-Razavi.

He added that 1194 confirmed A/H1N1 cases have so far been identified in the country.

Emami-Razavi has warned families about the high risk of contracting swine flu in the flu season especially with schools increasing children's interaction.

“Precautionary measures must be taken seriously in schools to prevent epidemic spread of the disease. Classes must be closed in case of pandemic,” the Iranian health official said. “However, one case in a class must not be mistaken by a pandemic and classes must not close for one case.”

According to the country's officials, adopting simple precautionary measures such as washing hands frequently, using a tissue at the time of coughing and sneezing and avoiding kissing can help contain the virus.

Iranian authorities had earlier canceled the Umrah (the minor pilgrimage) in the holy month of Ramadan with the aim of containing the A/H1N1 virus.

Iran's first swine flu case was a 16-year-old Iranian-American boy, who tested positive for the disease on June 22, upon his arrival in Tehran.