The Public Health Institute Milan Jovanovic Batut today stated that so far 326 cases of infection with the new flu H1N1 have been recorded in Serbia and 16 fatalities.

The statement adds that 503 persons are being treated from conditions similar to the flu, while 18 are breathing with the help of a respirator.

The latest fatality was recorded yesterday when a patient died at the ward of the Vojvodina Pulmonary Institute in Sremska Kamenica.

Health Minister Tomica Milosavljevic on Nov. 11 declared an epidemic of swine flu in Serbia, and ordered measures for the prevention of the spread of the disease, primarily the emergency vaccination of vulnerable groups.

The indirect damage due the flu spreading could reach the amount of USD 2 bln,  the Minister claims.