There has only been one patient diagnosed with AH1N1, more often known as Swine Flu, at Mater Dei this year, according to Health Minister Chris Fearne.

Replying to a parliamentary question placed by Nationalist MP Claudette Buttigieg, Fearne informed that “till now, in 2017 there has only been one case of AH1N1 reported at Mater Dei”.

This number is extremely low when compared to the amount of cases to the year prior.

Last year, in January alone, the number of cases reached 97, which was more than double the number reported in 2015.

Swine flu is a relatively new strain of an influenza virus that causes symptoms similar to those of the regular flu. Although it originated in pigs, it is primarily spread from one person to another. Elderly people, children under five, pregnant women and people suffering from chronic illnesses, amongst others, are more likely to be seriously negatively affected by the virus.