The number of confirmed swine flu cases in Canada climbed to 27 on Thursday as eight new mild cases were reported.

Four of the new cases are in Nova Scotia and related to an original cluster of four cases among students at a private boarding school in the central part of the province. The four original patients have recovered and returned to school, health officials said.

The other four new cases are in the province of Alberta. Medical health officer Andre Corriveau said the patients are four young people from Calgary who went on a trip to Mexico together. Three are male and one female.

The individuals were treated at home and are fine, Corriveau said.

Health officials say people should not panic over the new cases, and they are suggesting everyone should continue with their regular activities.