Bangkok, Feb. 17 -- Thailand's Public Health Ministry has warned that the incidence of influenza is spreading rapidly, with four provinces in the northeast region the hardest hit. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin said there has been a big jump in infections in February, calling on people showing symptoms that could be flu to stay home, to prevent spreading the virus. Health officials were speeding up the supply of vaccine to sensitive groups, particularly children and senior citizens.

According to the Thai health ministry, 7,819 cases of influenza were reported in the country this year as of January 25.

However, by February 15, total infections this year had leapt to 99,057, with nine fatalities. The ministry also said that H1N1 ...