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An electron microscope image shows an A H1N1 "swine flu" virus culture obtained from a California patient suffering from the international flu outbreak - Source: Reuters -
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New Zealand has its sixth confirmed case of the H1N1 flu infection.
The Ministry of Health says there are 12 probable cases of the virus; one fewer than Sunday.
The number of suspected cases has dropped by 20 from Sunday afternoon and is now 69.
Twenty-five people have come out of quarantine since Sunday, leaving 335 people in isolation.
The group of Rangitoto College students whose trip to Mexico sparked the first swine flu tests in New Zealand returned to school on Monday, including the four confirmed with the virus.
The Health Ministry says there is still no evidence of community transmission to date.
This means all the cases have recently returned from travelling in affected areas or have been in close contact with someone with the virus.
New Zealand is about to hit the flu season and authorities world wide will be watching how the bug circulates over the next few months as they prepare the first swine flu vaccine and then decide whether to order large amounts for the Northern Hemisphere's autumn.
The number of confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus worldwide has now passed the 1,000 mark and spread to 21 countries.
There have been 25 confirmed deaths from the virus in Mexico where restaurants and cafes are set to reopen after a five day shut down to contain the virus. But cinemas, theatres and bars are to remain closed.
