World concern over spread of A/H1N1

Concerns over the A/H1N1 flu pandemic remain high around the world. The World Health Organization said last week that over five-thousand people have died from the virus worldwide.

But the figure is considered an underestimate, since most countries have stopped counting individual cases.

The WHO has begun investigating a suspected outbreak of A/H1N1 flu in the Ukraine. Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko says the country's death toll has climbed to 71.

Although blood tests have yet to determine how many of the deaths were from A/H1N1, the WHO says most of the cases can be assumed to be A/H1N1.

Russia has reported 14 deaths as of Tuesday, together with more than 3 thousand confirmed cases. The Health Ministry says drug companies have promised not to raise prices on flu and respiratory medicines.

In Germany, residents are flocking to vaccination centers after Friday's report of the country's first A/H1N1 death of a person with no other known health problems. The total number of deaths is five, with nearly 3 thousand new cases.

Representatives from eight Asian cities have met in Bangkok, Thailand to discuss anti-flu measures. They decided to strengthen communication on controlling the virus to promote tourism.