Turkey's health minister has called on the public to avoid kissing and shaking hands for the next five months in order to stop the spread of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) also known as Mexican flu or swine flu.

The move came after Turkey reported its first known fatality caused by pandemic influenza at the weekend. Media reports say the victim was a 29-year-old who was being treated for pneumonia.

Schools in Ankara have been closed for a week in response to the death.