Nine more swine flu cases confirmed

May 4 2009

Nine new UK cases of swine flu have been confirmed, taking the total to 27, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has said.

Seven children were among those diagnosed with the H1N1 virus.

Alleyn's School, in Dulwich, south east London, has become the fourth school to be closed by the HPA after five year seven pupils tested positive for the virus.

Two other children who have been confirmed as having the virus are London-based siblings who are close contacts of a previously confirmed case, said the HPA.

Two adults - who recently returned from Mexico - from London and the West Midlands have also been diagnosed with swine flu.

A Department of Health spokesperson said seven of the cases confirmed today appeared to have been acquired from person-to-person contact.

"Nine new cases of swine flu have been confirmed in the UK - one in the West Midlands and eight in London.

"Seven of the nine cases appear to have been acquired through person-to-person spread. Two cases are in people who have recently returned from Mexico.

"There are now 27 confirmed cases in the UK - 23 in England and four in Scotland.

"The arrangements in place across the UK are continuing to ensure that we are well-placed to deal with this new infection."