According to the World Health Organisation's latest update, #40, on Influenza A H1N1 (swine flu), as of the 27th May, 48 countries have officially now reported 13,398 cases of the virus, including 95 deaths.
As health experts in Australia warn that more swine flu cases are inevitable Australia reportedly now has approaching 70 confirmed cases H1N1, including eight in Queensland.
The President of the Australian Medical Association Dr. Rosanna Capolingua says authorities are trying hard to contain the virus by testing for it and quarantining people, but the public can be expected to be anxious about H1N1 as it is spreading quickly, just like any other influenza virus.
There are now three confirmed cases of H1N1 in Canberra - earlier this week a 41-year-old Canberra man was confirmed to have the virus after returning from the United States and ACT Health Minister Katy Gallagher expects that number will rise substantially.
With more cases appearing on a daily basis the Pacific Dawn, which was due to sail to the Whitsundays, has been diverted towards Willis Island in far north Queensland when three crew members developed flu symptoms - two passengers are now also reportedly sick and are being tested for the virus.
Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon has warned that as many as 2,000 other passengers and crew could have been exposed to the virus and the ship will be quarantined if necessary - reports from some passengers says cruise ship staff have not given enough details and they are not being kept informed.
Ms Roxon says she has been advised that those with symptoms are being isolated and health officials are advising on the best way to handle the other people on the ship.
Australian Medical Association of Queensland (AMAQ) spokesman Dr. Richard Kidd says more people are visiting GPs for tests and more are expected.
Health authorities in Tasmania are investigating three more cases of possible H1N1, including two cruise ship passengers, in addition to three reported yesterday, bringing the total number of people being tested in Tasmania to six - five were aboard the Pacific Dawn cruise ship.