Geneva - The number of confirmed cases of swine flu continued to rise, with the World Health Organization reporting Wednesday 10,243 cases around the globe, including 80 deaths.

Most of the 413 new cases from the previous day's tally were in the United States and Japan.

The US was reporting 5,469 infections of influenza A (H1N1), including six deaths, and Mexico had 3,648 cases with 72 deaths.

Japan had the most cases outside of North America, with 210 infections. In Europe, Spain was hardest hit with 107 incidents and Britain had 102, none lethal.

The virus has shown itself to be relatively mild, experts have said.

Discussions on the production of a vaccine, taking place as part of the ongoing World Health Assembly in Geneva, indicate the first seed virus for vaccine might be ready within several weeks time.

It would take several months for pharmacuetical companies to then launch into production. (dpa)