Baghdad - Health authorities in Iraq have confirmed the country's first death from the H1N1 virus, or swine flu.

The victim died Wednesday in the southern city of Najaf, Health Minister Salah al-Hasnawi said in a statement late Saturday. She was one of 67 people confirmed to have been infected with the virus, according to the Health Ministry.

Thirty-nine of those infected with the virus were US soldiers, 22 were Iraqis and the rest were foreigners from Pakistan, Oman, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, al-Hasnawi said.

Concerns about the disease have been high in the region ahead of the annual Muslim pilgrimage season, when millions from around the world gather in the Saudi cities of Mecca and Medina.

Iran has banned citizens from participating in the Umrah, or minor pilgrimage during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, which begins at the end of the month.

Arab health ministers have meanwhile decided to prevent elderly, very young, infirm and pregnant people from participating in the hajj in November.

Each year, some 6 million pilgrims travel to Mecca.(dpa)