Most cases of influenza in Ukraine might have been caused by H1N1 virus, says WHO

12:20

Experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) have said that most cases of influenza in Ukraine might have been caused by H1N1 virus, according to a statement posted by the WHO on Tuesday.

Laboratory testing in Ukraine has confirmed pandemic H1N1 influenza virus in samples taken from patients in two of the most affected regions, the WHO said.

"As the pandemic virus has rapidly become the dominant influenza strain worldwide, it can be assumed that most cases of influenza in Ukraine are caused by the H1N1 virus," reads the statement.

The WHO said that regions in western Ukraine continue to show the highest rates of acute respiratory illnesses. The number of cases in the Kyiv area is also increasing rapidly, the organization said. According to the WHO, Ukraine has now recorded more than 250,000 cases of influenza-like illness, with 235 patients requiring intensive care.

"As elsewhere, WHO strongly recommends early treatment with the antiviral drugs oseltamivir or zanamivir (the antiviral drugs in Tamiflu and Relenza), for patients who meet treatment criteria, even in the absence of a positive laboratory test confirming H1N1 infection," reads the statement.

The WHO continues to recommend no closure of the country's borders and no restrictions on international travel, including to Ukraine.

"Experience shows that such measures will not stop the further spread of the virus," reads the statement.