Seven further UK swine flu cases

Seven new swine flu cases in the UK have been confirmed, the Department of Health has said.

A spokeswoman said all the people diagnosed were in England, bringing the total in the UK to 55.

She added that the cases involved two adults and four children in London and an adult in the east of England.

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

Laboratory investigation

A Health Protection Agency (HPA) spokeswoman said the adult in the east of England and one of the London adults had been in contact with individuals who had previously been confirmed with swine flu.

The other adult in London and all four children "were swabbed last week and may have acquired their infection before the closure of their school", she said.

She added that anti-viral drugs had been given to all children and staff as a precaution, and all symptomatic patients were recovering at home.

According to the HPA, a further 384 cases were under laboratory investigation as of 1500BST on Sunday.

Of the 55 cases in the UK, 50 have been confirmed in England and five in Scotland.