Pandemic influenza, publicly known as swine flu, claimed a life in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on Friday, Anadolu Agency reported.

TRNC Health Ministry said the person who lost his/her life was suffering from chronic pulmonary disease and was diabetic.

The ministry said the patient was under treatment in hospital since November 4 and died of pneumonia and respiratory insufficiency.

The statement did not release the name and sex of the patient.