Confirmed cases of swine flu in NZ rise to seven

The number of confirmed cases of swine flu has risen to seven, the Ministry of Health says.

Two Rangitoto College students were today confirmed to have Influenza A H1N1, public health director Mark Jacobs said.

Probable cases dropped from 14 to 12 and suspected cases were down from 75 to 62.

The numbers of suspected cases and those in isolation would continue to fluctuate as cases were found or ruled out, he said.

Worldwide the number of reported cases also rose from 2371 to 2500 in 25 countries.

Mexico had 1204 confirmed cases of swine flu, including 44 deaths, and the United States had 896 confirmed cases, including two deaths.

Dr Jacobs said there was no evidence of community transmission in New Zealand but continued vigilance would prevent the virus spreading.

- NZPA