Two cases of A/H1N1 flu have been confirmed on a remote reserve in western Canada, following reports that a mystery flu had sent residents sick to the hospital, local officials said on Thursday.

Two people out of 21 who are now hospitalized have tested positive for the A/H1N1 flu virus, and a total of 200 people from the St. Theresa Point First Nation, located in northeastern Manitoba province, were sickened, deputy chief Whelan Mason told reporters on Thursday.

Some reports put the number of sick people at 500.

The reserve officials also warned about the overcrowded living conditions on the reserve, which may present challenge to controlling the flu.

Manitoba provincial officials are expected to talk about the flu situation in the reserve later on Thursday. The federal and provincial governments have sent more doctors and nurses to the region.

(Xinhua News Agency June 5, 2009)