Hong Kong has confirmed 397 cases of A/H1N1 influenza in the past 24 hours as of 2:30 p.m., with 17 staff members of public hospitals among the newly confirmed patients, health authorities said Thursday.

According to the update by the Hospital Authority, a total of 10,468 people have so far tested positive for the A/H1N1 virus, but only a small portion of them are required to be hospitalized for treatment.

A spokesman said currently a total of 110 confirmed patients are staying in public hospitals. Among them, 93 are in stable condition, seven in serious and ten in critical conditions.

As for the number of sickened medical workers, the spokesman said Thursday's count involves four doctors, seven nurses, one clerical staff and five supporting staff.

"So far 312 staff members have been confirmed to have contracted the A/H1N1 influenza. Among them, 204 have already recovered and returned to work," he said.