Swine Flu Continues its March Through Australia

By Phil Mercer, VOANews

As the number of the H1N1 cases in Australia surges past 1,200, Singapore is warning its citizens to avoid travel to the badly affected southern state, Victoria. With more than 1,000 cases, Victoria has the world’s highest per capita rates of infection. Less than a month ago the state had only a handful of cases of the H1N1 virus, which is commonly known as swine flu. 

Australia has the world’s highest number of infections outside North America.

Victoria and the state capital, Melbourne, continue to be the worst-hit region. More than 1,000 confirmed cases of the swine flu have been reported in Victoria.

Several of those infected are being treated at hospitals, but Australia has reported no swine flu fatalities. However, the Queensland state Health Minister Paul Lucas says that it is inevitable there will be deaths in Australia from the outbreak.

Major sporting events, including an international swimming meeting, have been canceled and business leaders are predicting a significant downturn in tourism.

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