According to the New Zealand Ministry of Health, with the recent death of a 30-year-old Auckland man infected with the H1N1 virus, the total number of swine flu deaths in the country has risen up to 17 thus far. The latest victim had an underlying medical condition.

The previous casualty, a Waikato woman, had also died in an Auckland hospital; and had been diagnosed with underlying medical conditions.

The rate of infection has slumped since the new flu strain's rapid spread began in April, with only three confirmed cases since Friday. There have now been 3130 laboratory-confirmed cases, the ministry said.

Noting that the earlier swine flu deaths are under investigation by the Coroner's office, the Health Ministry said that the rate of infection has come down notably, as compared to the initial phase of the rapid spread of the illness, ever since its outbreak in April.

The Ministry statistics revealed that with only three confirmed cases since Friday, the number of laboratory-confirmed cases has reached 3130.

Acknowledging that the real figures may be higher as not all cases are reported, Dr Fran McGrath - Deputy Director of Public Health - said that only a few of the infected people were tested. McGrath said: "For most people, it's a mild illness and they will recover readily at home without needing medical treatment."