Swine flu cases jump in Thailand, New Zealand

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AP/ PTI / Bangkok June 14, 2009

Thailand's Prime Minister urged public calm today as swine flu cases tripled there over the last three days, while New Zealand reported the largest single-day jump in infections.

Just days after the United Nations declared a pandemic, officials were concerned about new cases not linked to overseas travel and about the flu's effect on tourism.

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

"Definitely it will affect tourism, but I still think it's better to be transparent," he said. "Trying to conceal what's happening will only makes things worse."

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

Worldwide, the World Health Organization as of Friday has reported a total of 26,669 cases in 74 countries, and a death toll of 145. None have died in Asia.

New Zealand confirmed 28 new cases today, 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 some areas.