Swine flu toll rises to 19 in Turkey

One man, two women and one child were reported to have died of swine flu, bringing the toll in Turkey to 19, Turkish media reported.

The Turkish Health Ministry announced on Thursday that a 28-year-old man, two women ages 32 and 33, and one 6-year-old girl had died of the H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu.

The first victim of the swine flu in Turkey was a 28-year-old male hospital janitor in Ankara. He died on Oct. 24.

The government began distributing the swine flu vaccine around the country on Monday. The vaccination campaign includes medical workers and people who will travel to Mecca for the hajj pilgrimage. At-risk groups such as young children, pregnant women, and those who suffer from diabetes, heart conditions and immuno-deficiency diseases were prioritized.