GENEVA, March 20 (NNN-KUNA) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) announced Friday that at least 16,813 deaths of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009 were reported in more than 213 countries and overseas territories or communities as of March 14.

A quick look at last weeks update shows that the number of deaths from the pandemic influenza have increased by 100 cases.

According to the WHO update the most active areas of pandemic influenza transmission continue to be in Southeast Asia and West Africa.

Limited data suggests that pandemic influenza activity may be increasing across parts of Central America and the Caribbean.
Low levels of pandemic influenza virus continue to circulate across southern and south-eastern Europe and in East, West, and South Asia.

Although pandemic influenza virus continues to be the predominant influenza virus circulating worldwide, seasonal influenza B viruses are predominate in East Asia, and have been detected at low levels across southeast Asia and eastern Africa.-- NNN-KUNA