The Diseases Control Department  has urged the public not to panic over the report of a fatality from influenza in Uthai Thani province, noting that there have been almost 90,000 flu cases this year with only one fatality.

DCD director-general Dr Suwanchai Wattanayingcharoenchai said today that a team of health investigators had been sent from diseases control and protection office in Nakhon Sawan to Uthai Thani province where one woman was reported to have died from H1N1 flu.

Trying to allay fear among the public, he said there was no need to panic because flu is a seasonal disease and is rife during rainy and cold seasons.

Dr Suwanchai disclosed that since the beginning of this year, there have been 89,846 cases of flu and, out of these figures, only 12 died, adding that most sufferers are elderly people and students.

Last year, there were 106,415 cases from January to August and 29 people died.

He said the statistics showed that the number of flu cases as well as fatality rate have dropped.

Regarding the flu situation in central province of Uthai Thani, Dr Suwanchai had officials had been instructed to carefully examine flu patients and anyone suspected to be infected with H1N1 flu would be administered with H1N1 anti-medication.

Members of the public were advised to stay away from crowded places, to wear face masks and to regularly wash their hands.