The New Zealand health authorities dealing with influenza A/H1N1 were stepping up their efforts to gather information from passengers arriving at Auckland International Airport, according to local media report on Sunday.

Previously, only passengers arriving on flights from North America had been asked to provide extra details, such as contact telephone numbers, Radio New Zealand reported.

All passengers flying into New Zealand from any destination will now be asked to fill out a form, Radio New Zealand quoted Health Minister Tony Ryall as saying.

He said this is a precautionary step, so improved contact information is available to the authorities if there are further cases of swine flu.

The Ministry of Health said that within New Zealand there are now four confirmed cases of swine flu, 12 probable cases and 101 suspected cases.

On Saturday, 269 people were isolation and being treated with Tamiflu - 119 fewer than the day before.

New Zealand authorities will screen all passengers who are flying out of the country to Niue for influenza-type symptoms, at the request of the island's government.

Ryall said public health staff at Auckland International Airport will monitor the 110 or so passengers who catch the weekly flight to Niue.

He said Niue's request follows a recent outbreak of influenza on the island.

(Xinhua News Agency May 3, 2009)