Thai Health Ministry confirms 3 new cases of flu

Permanent Secretary to health Dr Prat Boonyawongwirot said the two women, both 20, who travelled to the United States under "Work and Travel" Programme were found infected by the flu.

The first woman went to the US in May and returned to Thailand on June 6. She had the symptoms of the flu such as running nose, sore throat and high fever and was admitted to a Bangkok hospital on June 7.

Lab test showed that she was positive to the new H1N1 strain that has hit at least 73 countries with 25,288 cases, including 139 deaths.

The second woman, working in the US under same programme, had the symptoms during her flight back to Bangkok. She arrived Bangkok on June 5. Lab test revealed she was positive to the flu strain.

The third was a 30-year-old man who returned from a trip to the US and Canada on May 30.

The three were given antiviral Oseltamivir drug, Dr Prat said, adding those who had contacts with them were under observation.

As of Tuesday, a total of 31 Thais were under observation for the flu.