Singapore's Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan on Thursday urged the public to be more responsible and keep vigilant against the spread of Influenza A/H1N1 virus.

According to TV broadcaster Channel NewsAsia, Khaw said that the recent flu outbreak in Japan further reinforces observations about the H1N1 virus, adding that in countries like Singapore, which is heavily globalized, H1N1 cases are expected to surface sooner or later.

Khaw said that Singaporeans should continue to be vigilant but not over worried as the illness remains mild so far. He also urged those who travel abroad recently to be responsible and go to hospital if they developed flu symptom.

The H1N1 virus has infected over 10,000 people worldwide to date.