The Canadian Press

A doctor, wearing protective gear, examines a patient during a swine flu detection procedure at the San Rafael Hospital in Alajuela, Costa Rica, Tuesday, May 5, 2009 (AP Photo / Kent Gilbert)

TORONTO — Ontario is confirming 143 new cases of the swine flu, bringing the total number of cases in the province to 495.

Health officials say almost all of the cases reported to date are considered mild.

Six people with the virus were in hospital as of Tuesday.

Toronto reported 81 new cases, Peel Region had 25, and Halton had 11.

York Region had 13 new cases, Durham Region reported five, Ottawa had three, and Simcoe Muskoka District had one.

In all, 246 males and 248 females in Ontario have contracted the virus, with information still pending from one other case.