Unknown illness kills five in Georgian retirement home

Five elderly residents living in a retirement home have died from an illness believed to be swine flu.

The residents lived at Samtredia Elderly Care Home in Western Georgia.

In addition, seven other elderly have been diagnosed with respiratory infections and have been transferred to hospital.

Director of the National Centre of Disease Control Amiran Gamkrelidze said the exact cause of deaths was unknown and an investigation had begun to determine the cause of death.

Meanwhile staff and residents of the retirement home are being examined by medical professionals.

It has been confirmed that one resident is infected with a type of virus.

All of the deceased were over the age of 80.