The death toll from the flu outbreak in Ukraine has risen to 727, the country's Health Ministry reported on Friday.

According to the ministry, the outbreak started in October 2009 and has affected over 3.7 million people in the country so far.

At least 31 people died from complications related to the seasonal flu in the last 24 hours, the ministry said in a statement.

The country has also reported over 250 patients in intensive care with severe flu and flu-like symptoms.

The Ukrainian parliament has allocated 1 billion hryvnias ($125 million) for measures to fight swine and seasonal flu.

However, the spread of epidemic has been on the rise again since late December due to cold weather spells sweeping through the country.

KIEV, January 1 (RIA Novosti)