First two confirmed cases of influenza A/H1N1 not linking to international travel were found in New Zealand on Saturday.

The Health Ministry said on Saturday that the follow-up of two confirmed cases by public health services in Wellington had not identified a link to travel or contact with travelers.

The health authorities warned that this may signal the beginning of much wider spread throughout the country.

"This is an early indication that there may be some community transmission of influenza A/H1N1 in the Wellington region, although at this stage it may be localized and limited," the ministry said.

There were nine new confirmed cases of influenza A/H1N1 on Saturday-- five in Wellington, two in Christchurch, one in Auckland and one in Waikato. The total number of confirmed cases in New Zealand has risen to 43, from 34 on Friday. There are 18 probable cases of influenza A/H1N1, down from 25 on Friday.

Health Minister Tony Ryall said the situation was changing rapidly and the health sector's response would be altered as the situation evolved.

"At this time the Ministry of Health and public health services are continuing to focus on containing the spread of the virus. This includes activities at the borders to identify, isolate and treat any suspected cases," he said on Saturday.

(Xinhua News Agency June 13, 2009)

Ryall said it was possible that there could be an exponential rise in case numbers in the days ahead, as had been seen in other countries.

Deputy director of public health Darren Hunt said progress on plans for enhanced surveillance through GP clinics continued.

Hunt said when that happened local health authorities would focus messages on the general public, not just recently-returned travelers.