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China has confirmed that there have been 659 deaths from H1N1 in the country as of 2 January. In total, 120,940 cases of swine flu have been recorded, says the ministry of health.

“The danger of an explosion of outbreaks in some places exists, and the number of fatalities and serious cases will remain at a rather high level,” warned Liang Wannian, director of the ministry’s emergency response office (AFP).

Liang also warned of problems controlling the spread of H1N1, especially in rural areas. The problem may get worse as Chinese New Year approaches and many people travel around the country.

Last month the World Health Organization said that, as of 27 December 2009, over 200 countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases H1N1 and at least 12,220 deaths have been recorded.