Flu cases surge over weekend

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(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-06-15 08:05

BANGKOK: Thailand's prime minister urged the public to remain calm Sunday as swine flu cases tripled in the nation over the last three days, while New Zealand reported the largest single-day jump in infections.

Just days after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a pandemic, officials were concerned about new cases not linked to overseas travel and about the flu's effect on tourism.

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Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva warned the situation is "not an easy fix" with tens of thousands of passengers arriving daily from abroad.

Dr. Prat Boonyavongvirot, permanent secretary of Thailand's Public Health Ministry, said cases were expected to rise as laboratory results continued to arrive.

Worldwide, the WHO as of Friday has reported a total of 29,669 cases in 74 countries, and a death toll of 145. None have died in Asia.

New Zealand confirmed 28 new cases Sunday, the largest jump in a single day since the first case was confirmed in late April, raising the country's total to 71.

Deputy Director of Public Health Dr. Darren Hunt said that for the first time some cases were not linked to travel, a signal that there was community transmission.

In South Korea, an Australian lacrosse team of 26 players and coaches was quarantined after a 19-year-old player tested positive for swine flu on arriving at Seoul's international airport, said Health Ministry official Park Il-hun.

Park said the Australians would be isolated in the hotel for one week. They flew together from Melbourne to Seoul via Hong Kong, Park said.

The under-21 Australian team was to participate in the Asia Pacific Games, which runs Tuesday to Sunday. Park said authorities are urging the Australians not to participate.

So far, South Korea has reported 61 cases. Of the 61 cases, 49 people have been released from hospitals. No deaths have been reported in South Korea.

Philippine health officials reported 36 new cases Sunday, three foreigners among them, bringing total infections in the country to 147.

Still, classes will restart nationwide after a weeklong suspension, which was prompted by reports of infections among students in some schools, said Dr. Eric Tayag of the Department of Health.

China reported 22 more cases, bringing the total on the mainland to 165.

The Ministry of Health said on its Web site Saturday that the cities of Beijing and Shanghai have reported more cases.

Hong Kong, which counts swine flu cases separately, said Saturday it had confirmed five more cases, bringing the total to 78.

Singapore confirmed seven more infections Sunday, bringing the total in the city-state to 34.

A government statement from Singapore says all but one of the 34 cases became infected abroad. The other victim was in close contact with a confirmed case in Singapore.

Of the 34 infected, 17 are in stable conditions in the hospital and the remainder have been discharged.