Fiji's Ministry of Health urged people not to mingle with those who are sick with flu-like symptoms as the total number of people confirmed with influenza A/H1N1 rose by eight, taking the total number to 81 on Wednesday.

The eight were all males, with seven of them confirmed in capital Suva, and one in Nadi, the tourist town in the Pacific island nation.

So far, Suva has 46 confirmed cases, while Nadi has 22 and Lautoka has 13.

Ministry of health spokesperson Iliesa Tora said there was a need for people to practice social distancing at this time and be serious about the advise of not mingling with those already sick with flu-like symptoms as well as not sharing cups.

The Ministry of Health also confirmed that despite the rise in numbers there was no real need for alarm within the communities.

"Our public health teams at the various centers have worked hard with the cases confirmed and their immediate contacts to ensure that the spread is minimized," Tora said.

No schools have been closed yet in Fiji and the Pacific Youth Festival continues in the capital.

Meanwhile, people that consume the national drink kava have been urged not to share bowls as is the usual practice.

This is to discourage the spread of the H1N1 flu.

(Xinhua News Agency July 15, 2009)