The total number of confirmed cases of A/H1N1 influenza in Colombia now exceeds 200, including eight deaths, the government said Friday.

The government also said the number of suspected flu cases in Colombia has risen to 1,883, with 202 confirmed. Six of the eight deaths have been in Bogota, officials said.

Diego Palacio, Colombia's health minister, on Monday said the flu has become impossible to control in his country despite stringent efforts.

The virus "is unstoppable in Colombia and the world ... to all those working in health -- doctors, nurses -- remember that when a respiratory infection that evolves fast it is important to suspect the presence of the the virus or at least look for the presence of the virus," Palacio said.

(Xinhua News Agency July 18, 2009)