Minister: 10 NZ students back from Mexico likely have swine flu

WELLINGTON, April 26 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand Health Minister Tony Ryall confirmed on Sunday that there were 10 positive influenza results from testing carried out on 13 students from Auckland's Rangitoto College who returned from Mexico on Saturday.

Ministry of Health officials said there was no guarantee that these students had swine influenza but considered it likely.

All precautions were being taken to allow for this.

"However, I am also informed none of the affected patients are considered seriously ill, and most in fact seem to be on the road to recovery," Ryall said in a statement on Sunday evening.

The 10 students had tested positive for Influenza A.

The results would be sent to the World Health Organization laboratory in Melbourne to ascertain whether it was the H1N1 swine influenza, he said.

He did not know when the results would be known, but said given the global situation they would be treated with considerable urgency.

He encouraged other passengers on NZ1, the flight from Los Angeles the Rangitoto College students returned on, to consult with their family doctors or other health professional if they develop flu-like symptoms.

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