The number of influenza A/H1N1 confirmed cases in New Zealand rose to 912 on Friday, up 87 since Thursday, the Health of Ministry said.

But the true figure was certain to be much higher given that every person suspected to have influenza A/H1N1 was no longer being swabbed, Director of Public Health Mark Jacobs said on Friday.

Jacobs said it was important for people to take extra precautions this winter to protect themselves from the virus.

The Ministry of Health has said most people who contracted influenza A/H1N1 would be able to recover at home, although some people with other health conditions could become critically unwell.

People who were more at risk included pregnant women, people with respiratory disease, heart disease, liver disease or blood disorders.

Wellington appeared to have been worst hit by the virus, with the hospital confirming 15 new cases a day.

(Xinhua News Agency July 4, 2009)