Website of the Department of Health

1 July 2009, 3pm: Department of Health Statement

342 further patients under investigation in England have today been confirmed through laboratory testing with swine flu. Together with the 44 laboratory confirmed cases in Scotland reported yesterday (June 30 2009) by the Scottish Government, one further laboratory confirmed case in Northern Ireland announced by the Northern Ireland Executive and the four laboratory confirmed cases in Wales announced by the National Public Health Service for Wales and the Welsh Assembly Government earlier today, this brings the total number of laboratory confirmed UK cases identified since April 2009 to 6,929.

A Department of Health Spokesperson said:

'The cases of swine flu found in the UK have so far been generally mild in most people, but are proving to be severe in a small minority of cases. 

'We are continuing to work to slow the spread of the disease in the majority of the UK, but we are allowing a more flexible outbreak management approach in areas where more community transmission has taken place. Here, it makes sense to move beyond extensive swabbing and all contact tracing. Instead, we are asking the local NHS to focus on individuals who have symptoms.

'The UK continues to be well-placed to deal with this new infection.'