The Japanese government said on Saturday that it would intensify efforts to prevent the A/H1N1 virus from spreading in the country as three cases of the new strain of influenza were confirmed earlier in the day.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura said that senior government officials convened a meeting and pledged utmost efforts to fend off the new flu strain.

"It is important to take preventive measures so infections do not spread," said Kawamura.

And secondary infections are likely to occur in the future, he added, urging the public to stay alert and remain calm at the same time.

Also on Saturday, Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Yoichi Masuzoe said at a press conference that a domestic outbreak of theA/H1N1 influenza is a "matter of time."

He called on the public to stay vigilant and take preventive measures such as wearing masks and washing hands frequently as "it has come to human-to-human infections now."

On the three confirmed cases of the new flu, Masuzoe said that without the strict quarantine inspections, they could have traveled back to Osaka.

He urged those who were on board the same flight with the three patients to contact the health authorities if they have developed flu-like symptoms.

To receive treatment at an early stage means early recovery, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency May 9, 2009)