The number of confirmed cases ofA/H1N1 in a primary school in south China's Guangdong Province reached 37 on Monday, prompting local authorities to reduce indoor gatherings.

Seven new cases were reported Monday in Shipai Township Central Primary School in Dongguan City. Previously, 30 students were diagnosed with the A/H1N1 flu last week.

The school, with 1,314 students, had been disinfected and was scheduled to be closed for a week after the first cases were reported.

Doctors were still checking where the pupils were infected by the virus.

"Dongguan is a populous city, with many foreigners coming here frequently," said Zhang Qiaoli, deputy director of the Dongguan Center for Disease Prevention and Control.

"Some people coming to the city may carry the virus but their temperatures are normal. Once they pass the entry quarantine inspection, the virus is spread across the city, especially among students with low immunity," Zhang said.

The first six students diagnosed with the A/H1N1 flu were expected to be discharged from the hospital soon, doctors said Monday. They developed fever, cough and a sore throat last Wednesday. They were confirmed as A/H1N1 flu cases Friday.

"The last tests showed them negative for A/H1N1," said Pan Weibiao, president of Shilong People's Hospital, where 12 of the 30 students were treated.

"If the provincial health department confirms the result, the students will be discharged."

Another 24 students fell ill Thursday and Friday and were confirmed as A/H1N1 flu cases Sunday. All were in stable condition, as their illness was mild, doctors said.

Those who had close contact with the pupils have been ordered to stay home for observation, the Dongguan city government said.

(Xinhua News Agency June 23, 2009)