Hilary Benn
NINE new UK cases of swine flu were confirmed last night, taking the total to 27.
Seven children were among those diagnosed with the H1N1 virus.
Merseyside has so far seen two confirmed cases of the virus – a husband and wife, believed to be from Maghull, who had recently returned from Mexico.
Both are described as quite well and responding to treatment.
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, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) said.
Two adults - who recently returned from Mexico - from London and the West Midlands were also been diagnosed with swine flu yesterday.
And the Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said yesterday Britain must stay vigilant although the swine flu outbreak looks less serious than first feared.
He said the flu was “relatively mild and responds well to treatment here in the UK so far but we have got to remain vigilant”.