61 new A/H1N1 flu cases confirmed in Britain

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LONDON, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Britain's Department of Health confirmed on Tuesday 61 new cases of A/H1N1 flu infections, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 339.

The Department of Health statement said the number of confirmed cases published on Tuesday was "unique" because the Health Protection Agency has changed its method of laboratory testing and reporting.

Prior to Tuesday, samples were being tested in regional laboratories and then sent to the national laboratory in North London for the final stage of testing and confirmation of swine flu. A swine flu test has now been developed and rolled out to the regional network of laboratories which does not require final confirmatory testing to be carried out by the London laboratory.

"This has removed an obvious time lag in confirming cases. In real life this means that today the Health Protection Agency has been able to report more cases than would previously have been associated with one day. This is a one-off adjustment," said the statement.

In addition, the Scottish Executive announced on Monday 23 cases in Scotland, which brings the total number of cases in Scotland to 42.

To date, 295 cases have been confirmed in England, one from Northern Ireland and one from Wales.

"The localized cases of swine flu found in the UK have so far been mild, and we have not seen evidence of widespread community transmission," said a spokesperson from the Health Department.

"Our strategy to slow the spread of the disease appears to have been effective, and the UK's arrangements continue to ensure that we are well-placed to deal with this new infection," added the spokesperson.

The Health Department pledged to be prepared for the possibility of a global pandemic.

What's more, according to the Health Protection Agency, 282 cases are currently under laboratory investigation in Britain.