Algeria's first fatality due to H1N1 (swine flu) virus is a 49-year-old resident of Setif town, the country's Ministry of Health has said.
The man suffering high fever was admitted to Center University Hospital (CHU) February 7. The patient passed away Monday, authorities said. The deceased had recently returned home after performing Umrah.
A health official said the deceased may have contracted the virus in Saudi Arabia. Pasteur Institute in Algiers confirmed the man had contracted H1N1 virus.
Algeria has taken preventive measures and officials said the situation is under control.