President: 48 Die Of Swine Flu In Ukraine

A boy wears a mask in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv

The Interfax news agency quotes Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko as saying that 48 people have died of swine flu in the country.

Ukraine closed schools and banned cinema showings and concerts on October 30 in a bid to stop the spread of the flu, which Yushchenko says sickened 150,000 people.

The outbreak began in the western Ternopol region, health officials said.

Ukrainian media reported severe shortages of anti-flu medication and masks in pharmacies.

Earlier on October 31, Ukrainian Health Minister Vasyl Kniazevych said 34 people have died from the disease.

compiled from agency reports