Australia's swine flu toll soars to almost 900

As the number of swine flu cases now confirmed in Australia edges close to 900, neighbour Singapore has issued advice warning its residents not to travel to Victoria the state worst-hit by the outbreak of influenza A H1N1 with 752 cases.

Health authorities in Singapore are advising people to defer non-essential travel to Victoria saying Melbourne and the state of Victoria are affected by the H1N1 flu and residents returning from Victoria should monitor their health for any signs of the virus.

With 878 confirmed cases of swine flu in Australia, Health Minister Nicola Roxon says swine flu will continue to be a problem throughout winter despite "marathon" efforts to deal with it.

Ms Roxon says she believes the halfway point has not yet been reached and scientists though closer, are only part of the way to developing a vaccine.

The Health Minister says swine flu has not as yet spread extensively in Australia and all efforts are being made to contain the disease.

Schools in several states have closed in an attempt to curb the spread of the virus and many children and staff have been quarantined at home.

To date Queensland has reported 31 cases of the virus, South Australia 7 and Tasmania 5, the ACT has 4, Western Australia 2 and the Northern Territory 3 - some states are also recommending people be quarantined for a week if they visit Victoria.