Eight new swine flu cases confirmed
Eight new cases of swine flu in England have been confirmed by the Department of Health.
The cases are two adults and six children and bring the total in the UK to 47.
A 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."
Health Secretary Alan Johnson announced a significant step had been made towards producing a vaccine for swine flu.
Mr Johnson said Health Protection Agency (HPA) scientists have worked out the genetic fingerprint of the virus, which will help understand how it operates and to identify the parts that can be used to manufacture a vaccine.
According to Mr Johnson, the Government's objective is to produce enough vaccine for future outbreaks, as well as annual seasonal flu.
Of the 47 confirmed cases in the UK, 43 are in England and four in Scotland.
