Five Australian swine flu deaths

Five Australians have now died from swine flu. The news comes as scientists reveal a swine flu vaccine may not be available until next winter.

Scientists from CSL say the Melbourne laboratory has created an effective sample of a vaccine but human trials are needed to determine the right dosage.

The fifth victim of the virus is a 26-year-old West Australian woman, who had underlying health conditions.

The number of confirmed swine flu cases in New Zealand has jumped to 507. Figures from the Ministry of Health show 173 of those are in Wellington, followed by Auckland on 140. In Canterbury, 128 people have the H1N1 virus.

Deputy Director of Public Health Darren Hunt says swine flu will continue to spread through the community, especially now it is winter.

Myanmar has confirmed its first case of swine flu after a schoolgirl returning from Singapore tested positive for the virus. Laos and Cambodia reported their first cases on Wednesday and Thursday.

Neighbouring Thailand, which has detected more than 1,200 cases since May 12, reported its first two deaths yesterday.

The World Health Organisation reports 59,814 cases of swine flu in 105 countries.

The virus has killed 263 people.

- NEWSTALK ZB