There were an estimated 31,322 new A/H1N1 flu cases over the last seven days, according to figures released by the Spanish Ministry of Health on Friday.

The ratio leapt to 77.88 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, when in the previous week it was 52.3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

The death toll has climbed to 42, although the mortality rate is still low at just 0.22 deaths per 1,000 cases, the ministry said.

Those who have died mostly suffered from other underlying health issues.

(Xinhua News Agency October 2, 2009)