Ecuador's Health Ministry reported on Wednesday that the A/H1N1 influenza death toll has risen to 19, and that the number of infected patients was 666.

According to the ministry, among the 19 deaths, four were in the province of Pichincha. Guayas, Azuay, Chimborazo and Loja each reported three deaths, while Tungurahua, Cotopaxi and Imbabura had one casualty each.

Guayas has the highest infection toll so far, with 232 cases, followed by Pichincha with 144 and Azuay with 52.

The ministry was considering declaring an institutional emergency in view of the spread of the A/H1N1 virus in the country.

(Xinhua News Agency August 6, 2009)