The Ecuadorian Health Ministry said on Monday that the A/H1N1 flu death toll rose to 14, and that the number of infected patients is 570.

According to the ministry's statement, the provinces of Azuay, Chimborazo and Pichincha each reported three deaths, Guayas two, and Tungurahua, Loja and Cotopaxi one each.

National Health Director Jhon Cuenca said that the Ministry is considering declaring an institutional emergency in view of the spread of the A/H1N1 virus in the country.

Emergency measures would divert additional resources to the health sector for hiring staff and assisting a larger number of hospitalized patients.

These measures would also include improving the quality of health centers and more efficient means of preventing the spread of the disease.

(Xinhua News Agency July 28, 2009)