Eight new cases of swine flu confirmed in UK

Eight new cases of swine flu in England were confirmed today by the British Department of Health.

The cases were two adults and six children and bring the total in the UK to 47.

A British Department of Health spokeswoman said one adult case is associated with travel to Mexico, and the children are associated with the same school.

She said one of the adults is from the East Midlands and the seven further cases are in London.

The spokeswoman said: “So far all infections in the UK have been mild, and cases have been diagnosed and treated early.

“This reduces the severity of symptoms, and helps to limit the spread.

“But we must not be complacent – it is right to prepare for the possibility of a global pandemic.

“The UK’s arrangements are continuing to ensure that we are well-placed to deal with this new infection.”

Yesterday, UK Health Secretary Alan Johnson announced a significant step had been made towards producing a vaccine for swine flu as five cases, including four schoolchildren, were confirmed as being infected with the H1N1 virus.