While the Health Ministry continues to closely monitor the spread of H1N1 virus, a mother and child are being monitored after they visited Labasa hospital with flu like symptoms on Monday.

This had been confirmed by Ministry Spokesperson Iliesa Tora who said that we must take all steps to stop H1N1 and prevent it from spreading adding the Ministry continues to closely monitor the situation around the globe especially with countries close to home.

Meanwhile, confirmed cases of H1N1 has risen to 502 cases in the last 24 hours with all Australian states and territories now having at least one confirmed case.

Also, Tora added research studies in the Hong Kong department of health have showed that there is a high risk of influenza infection amongst smokers when compared with non smokers.

The department has urged smokers to quit the habit saying this would be one of the best preventive measures against influenza.