Swine flu losing momentum

GENEVA: The global death toll from swine flu has risen to 15,174, up 463 from a week ago, but the pandemic is losing momentum, the World Health Organisation says.

More than 209 countries and overseas territories reported laboratory-confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 last year, including at least 15,174 deaths, WHO said.

The Americas recorded the most fatalities, with at least 7261 deaths from the A(H1N1) virus, while Europe recorded at least 3605 deaths.