17 new patients were diagnosed with influenza A H1N1 yesterday, making it the largest number of new cases in a day.

All involved travellers returning from countries with known community transmission of H1N1.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Health (MOH), some were individuals who proceeded with their travel and social activities despite having developed symptoms.

Six of them had returned from Philippines while another six returned from Melbourne, Australia.

Three others flew here from the United States and one each from Chile and Europe. There were two five-year-old children among the new cases. The other patients were between the ages of 17 and 53.

All returned on various flights between June 11 and June 16.

Contact tracing is ongoing for the 17 cases.

Of the 66 confirmed cases, 25 have been discharged.

The remaining 41 patients are still in hospital and their conditions remain stable.

Advisory to travellers

For people who are planning to travel, they should check the MOH website for the latest update on the list of countries with confirmed cases of H1N1 so that they can make considered decisions on whether to proceed with their travel plans.

For more information on Influenza A (H1N1-2009), please access MOH's website at www.moh.gov.sg, call the hotline at 1800-333 9999, or visit www.flu.gov.sg.