The number of confirmed cases of Influenza A/H1N1 has risen to 19 in New Zealand on Tuesday from 17on Monday, the Health Ministry said.

The two new confirmed cases were reported by Wellington's Regional Public Health overnight, both cases arrived in New Zealand on May 31 from Los Angeles of the United States. They became unwell after traveling together. Both cases and their close contacts are being treated with Tamiflu and asked to stay at home in isolation.

The geographic locations of confirmed cases now includes Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Hawke's Bay in New Zealand.

The cumulative total of probable cases is 11 up from 10 on Monday.

There were currently 96 suspected cases, down from 103 on Monday.

There are 161 people in isolation or quarantine and being treated with Tamiflu.

New Zealand Health official were warning Influenza A/H1N1 is coming and it will have a big impact.

Medical Officers of Health now have legal powers to enforce quarantines and exclude children and teachers from schools.

Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Alistair Humprey said Influenza A/H1N1 is far more contagious than normal flu. He is convinced one in three people will get it and that will cause enormous disruption for business.

Humprey said the symptoms are very similar to those of a normal flu but attention is currently focused on those just returned from overseas or who've had contact with someone who has.

(Xinhua News Agency June 9, 2009)