ANKARA - The total death toll from swine flu has reached 296 in Turkey, said the Turkish Ministry of Health on Monday.

In a statement posted on its web site, the Turkish Health Ministry said that 347 Turks were receiving treatment in hospitals throughout Turkey due to swine flu virus.

113 Turkish patients are receiving medical care in intensive care units while 99 are connected to respiratory support devices in hospitals.

35 percent of Turks who lost lives due to swine flu were under the age of 50.

Meanwhile, the Turkish Health Ministry began vaccinating pregnant women against swine flu on Monday in all corners of the country.