New flu cases in Japan and Australia

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Play VideoTokyo confirms its first case of A/H1N1 flu Play VideoSchools shut as more confirmed cases in Japan

The spread of the A/H1N1 virus in Asia has shown no signs of slowing down, new infections have been confirmed in the Japanese capital and in Melbourne, Australia.

Japan has reported its first case of the new flu virus in its densely populated capital Tokyo.

The total number of cases in Japan has risen to more than 260.

A 16-year-old female high school student has tested positive for the virus. She had recently returned from New York.

Her school is closed for a week, along with about four and a half thousand other schools in western Japan.

Takeo Kawamura, Chief Cabinet Secretary, said, "If we continue seeing more cancellations of school activities and public events, Tokyo might see part of its basic functions as a city affected by the flu."

On the streets of Tokyo, an increasing number of people are now wearing masks.

Masako Honma, a Tokyo resident, said, "I knew the flu virus would spread to Tokyo. I don't want to spread the virus to people around me if I get infected."

In Australia, a Melbourne school called a meeting for some parents on Thursday morning, after a 12-year old pupil tested positive for the flu.

Parents and pupils at Thornbury High School are being urged to keep calm.

Australia has now confirmed six flu cases and the number is likely to rise.