Valletta, Malta - Malta's health authorities reported Tuesday the first death from swine flu on the tiny Mediterranean island-state.

The Health Department said the victim, an 82-year-old woman, was part of a group of people classified as vulnerable, since she suffered from chronic heart and respiratory problems.

The woman was admitted to hospital on Friday, but died of complications, officials said.

Several cases of people infected with the H1N1 virus, which causes swine flu, have been registered in Malta, but most of those involved have since recovered. (dpa)