New Zealand battles flu outbreak

New Zealand health officials are investigating a possible 56 further cases of swine flu among people recently returned from North America or Mexico.

The country has already identified 10 probable cases.

The new cases involve people who returned to New Zealand in the past two weeks and are exhibiting flu-like symptoms, officials told reporters.

Health Minister Tony Ryall told reporters in Wellington today: “There are 10 probable cases ... plus an additional 56 people (who) have presented with symptoms.”

Earlier this morning, two students and a parent in a group just returned from Mexico tested negative for flu infection and as unlikely to have swine flu.