Posted 6 hours 5 minutes ago
Australians should brace for a spike in the number of swine flu cases across the country over the next 48 hours, Health Minister Nicola Roxon has warned.
However, Ms Roxon says there is no need for public alarm at this stage, with cases so far remaining mild.
Ms Roxon says there are a total of 61 confirmed cases of swine flu across Australia.
* 33 in Victoria
* 18 in NSW
* 5 in Queensland
* 3 in South Australia
* 1 in the ACT
* 1 in Western Australia
Six schools have been closed to limit the spread of the virus; four in Victoria and two in South Australia.
Ms Roxon says the number of cases is expected to jump in the next few days.
"This disease is highly infectious and the community does have to prepare itself for there to be a significant increase in the numbers of cases that are confirmed, particularly in the coming days," she said.
A large number of people are now being tested but Ms Roxon says the number is fluctuating so quickly that the Government will no longer provide a list of how many are undergoing tests.
Ms Roxon says while there is no need for alarm there is a concern with the Australian flu season approaching.
"No one is entirely sure what consequences that will have for the potential for those two flus to combine or one or other to be the one that dominates," she said.
Those who have symptoms of a sore throat, head ache or other aches are urged to call their doctor as soon as possible and Ms Roxon says people should be vigilant with personal hygiene.
Cruise ship diverted
Meanwhile, a cruise ship on its way to the Whitsundays has been diverted to Willis Island pending the results of passenger medical tests.
There are now 14 confirmed cases of swine flu from the ship, which berthed in Sydney on Monday, and all the passengers who were on board have been asked to voluntarily quarantine themselves at home.
New South Wales health authorities are under fire for allowing around 2,000 passengers from the Pacific Dawn to travel interstate before they were tested for swine flu.
The Pacific Dawn has a senior public health official on board as well as its own medical crew.
The Government has been working with P and O Cruises, which will have several ships coming to port over the next few months.
Health declaration cards will soon be implemented for all passengers on incoming ships.
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