Health authorities of Canada's western province British Columbia are warning residents to keep precautious against the A/H1N1 virus, Canadian Press reported on Tuesday.

The number of confirmed cases has been on the rise recently in the province, with a total of 270 cases reported by the provincial health ministry so far. Six more confirmed cases have been reported since Friday.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Perry Kendall said those suffering from A/H1N1 flu should stay home, cough into a sleeve or tissue and frequently wash their hands.

As the summer activities are getting underway, the risk is high for new A/H1N1 flu cases to occur. Kendall said health officials are developing strategies to reduce the spread of the virus at summer camps.

Nearly 8,000 cases have been recorded across Canada since the outbreak began, mostly mild but leading to 25 deaths, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).

No deaths have occurred in British Columbia, but the provincial Center for Disease Control said seven lab-confirmed cases required hospital treatment.

(Xinhua News Agency July 1, 2009)