The Vietnamese Ministry of Health confirmed 18 more influenza A/H1N1 cases, bringing the country's tally to 338, local newspaper the People reported Friday.

Out of the 18 cases, 14 patients are in a commune of the country's southern province of Dong Nai, said the ministry. They were tested positive for the A/H1N1 virus after having contacts with flu patients.

So far, 279 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospitals. The rest are being quarantined and treated, all in stable condition, said the newspaper.

The ministry also said there is a high possibility of the spread of flu A/H1N1 virus in schools and communities in the coming time. Therefore, it urged people coming to Vietnam from affected areas to observe self-quarantine and limit their contacts with other people within seven days from the time of entering the country.

No death in connection with the disease has been reported since its outbreak.

(Xinhua News Agency July 17, 2009)