SWINE 'flu has become an epidemic in Spain – it's official, according to the Ministry of Health and Social Policy.

With the exception of the Balearics, Melilla and Ceuta, the whole of mainland Spain plus the Canary Islands is said to be seriously affected.

Already, 115 people in the country have died either as a direct result of the AH1N1 virus, or due to complications with the illness and existing health conditions.

This includes 27 people in the last week.

The figures translate to a total of one-sixth of the number of serious cases that have required the patient to be admitted to intensive care.

Ministry sources say these account for 663 of Spain's swine 'flu cases.

The worst-hit age-group is five- to 14-year-olds, followed by the under-fours.

More cases have been seen in Catalunya and the Basque Country than anywhere else, although the numbers in these regions are closely followed by thoe of Asturias, Madrid, Castilla-La Mancha, Aragón, Navarra and Castilla y León.

This coming week, pregnant women will be called forward to be given a vaccination against the virus.

Health minister Trinidad Jiménez has stressed that all mothers-to-be should pay heed to their gynaecologists' instructions concerning the jab.