Singapore has confirmed 17 new influenza A/H1N1 cases, bringing the country's total to 66, the Health Ministry said on Wednesday.

The ministry said all the 17 new cases are travelers returning from countries with known community transmission of the disease.

Some of the cases were individuals who proceeded with their travel or meetings and social activities despite having developed symptoms.

In order to mitigate the risk of community spread, the ministry reminded travelers not to engage in extensive community activities if they have recently been to countries that have been considered by the WHO to have sustained community transmission or to be in transition towards community transmission, as well as countries that have been reported to have exported cases.

Singapore reported its first confirmed case of influenza A/H1N1on May 27. So far, 25 patients have been discharged. The remaining41 patients are still in hospital and in stable condition.

(Xinhua News Agency June 18, 2009)