YANGON, July 19 (Xinhua) -- The death toll due to the seasonal influenza A (H1N1) pdm 09 has risen to 62 across Myanmar as of Thursday, according to the figures from the public health department under the Ministry of Health and Sports on Friday.

This year's death toll broke the record of 2017 when there were 38 deaths and at least 400 infected people registered nationwide.

From Jan. 1 to July 18 this year, 279 people were confirmed to have been affected by the H1N1 influenza and most of them were aged between 15 to 65 years old, according to the central epidemiology unit under the ministry.

During the period, Yangon region registered highest mortality rate of H1N1 influenza with 49 deaths, followed by Ayeyarwaddy region with four deaths while two each in Bago and Sagaing regions, one in Magway region, three in Mon state and one in Kachin state, respectively.

Most of them were those who had suffered from chronic illnesses with weak immune system.

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

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