A Maltese woman, 82, has died in hospital from complications of A (H1N1) swine flu, the Health Department said this morning.

It is the first death from swine flu in Malta.

The department said she formed part of a group of people who were classified as being vulnerable since she suffered from a chronic heart and respiratory conditions.

She was admitted to hospital on Friday but died of complications.

Malta has so far had 244 confirmed swine flu cases of whom 198 have been cured without complications and 37, all vulnerable cases, remain in quarantine. It is only in the case of vulnerable people that swabs are taken to check for swine flu.

The Health Department reiterated its advice for people to wash their hands frequently and to avoid going out if they have flu symptoms but to call a doctor at home.

Anyone needing information should phone on 21 324086.

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