Singapore has confirmed 23 new cases of Influenza A/ H1N1, bringing the total number of confirmed cases here to 126, the country's Health Ministry said on Saturday night.

The ministry said that the newly confirmed cases comprise eight local cases and 15 with travel history, including an Asian Youth Games (AYG) athlete from the Philippines.

The ministry said that it may be a matter of time before more cases arising from local transmission, which may signal the start of community spread.

"We are monitoring the situation closely and are prepared to handle the increased number of cases when it happens," the ministry said.

Singapore reported its first confirmed case of Influenza A/H1N1on May 27. So far, 32 patients have been discharged. The remaining 94 patients are still in the hospital and their conditions remain stable.

(Xinhua News Agency June 21, 2009)