The H1N1 swine flu continues to rage across the world, infecting more than 52,000 people in 100 countries and territories and killing 231 people since late March, the World Health Organization reported yesterday.

The latest figures represent an increase of nearly 8,000 cases and 51 deaths, highlighting the steady spread of the H1N1 virus.

China's Health Ministry says the country has 220 new cases, taking its total to 739, of which 441 are in the mainland.