Italy reports two A/H1N1 flu death cases in new year

ROME, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- A 51-year-old man from Italy's southern Apulia region on Tuesday was confirmed killed by the influenza A/H1N1 virus, becoming the second fatality of the insurgent virus after the beginning of the new year.

The country's first A/H1N1 victim in 2011 was a 36-year-old cardiopathic woman who died a couple of days ago in northern Italy, according to local news agency ANSA.

Two other people, who also came from the Apulia region and have also contracted the A/H1N1 virus, are now in serious conditions.

Local authorities are confident that the situation is under control and have reassured citizens.

Italy has launched intensive vaccination campaigns across the country to boost people's awareness and protect their health.

Rome's City Hall on Tuesday invited all residents, especially children, old people, pregnant women and all those suffering from chronic diseases to vaccinate themselves against the virus. Vaccination is free and available at all public medical centers.

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