YANGON, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Death toll caused by seasonal influenza A/H1N1 has risen to 21 in Myanmar as of July 1 this year, said a press release by the country's information ministry on Wednesday.

Among them, 18 deaths were reported from Yangon region while two in Sagaing and one in Ayeyawady regions, respectively.

Most of them were young children and elderly who had suffered from chronic illnesses, according to the public health department under the health and sports ministry.

Of 236 suspected patients, 99 people have contracted with Influenza A (H1N1) pdm 09 so far.

The seasonal influenza virus was detected in July 2017, claiming at least 38 lives and 408 people were infected across Myanmar.

The symptoms of H1N1 include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches, chills as well as vomiting and diarrhea.

The symptoms come within one to five days which is called incubation period after exposure to the infected person as the virus is spread through airborne droplets from sneezing and coughing or by hands which are contaminated with secretions.

Prevention and control of H1N1 virus to reduce the risk of fatality from the virus is being carried out by the health authorities, urging people to follow recommended precautionary measure.