Thailand tops 2,000 cases of H1N1 flu

BANGKOK, July 6 (UPI) -- While Thailand has reported more than 2,000 cases of H1N1 flu, most of the new cases do not appear to be serious, health officials said.

"The majority of the people with new infections have mild symptoms," Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai told The Bangkok Post in a story published Monday.

"This group of patients can be treated with paracetamol, a lot of rest at home and drinking plenty of water," he said, noting those suffering from high fever, severe coughing and breathing difficulties should see a doctor immediately.

As of Sunday, 231 people -- including 205 children -- tested positive for the virus in Thailand and health officials expect the outbreak to spread, Kaewparadai said.

Children and teenagers account for most of the new infections seen in recent weeks, Deputy Public Health Minister Manit Nopamornbodee said Sunday, urging that age population to avoid crowded places such as malls and Internet game shops.

As of Monday, the World Health Organization said it had recorded 429 swine flu deaths worldwide among 94,512 cases confirmed since the outbreak began in April. The death toll includes 170 in the United States, 119 in Mexico, where the outbreak started, 60 in Argentina and 25 in Canada.