The number of people infected with influenza A/H1N1 in Britain has risen to 11 as the first case of a person contracting the virus from within the country was confirmed.

Graeme Pacitti, 24, tested positive after coming into contact with a football teammate who fell ill after a trip to Mexico, Sky News reported on Friday.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health confirmed two new infections, bringing the total cases in Britain to 11.

Tests were conducted on over 600 suspected cases while infections were confirmed in Newcastle, Scotland, Merseyside, Devon, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and London.

All the infected cases appear to be suffering mild symptoms. And Alan McNally, influenza diagnostics researcher at Nottingham Trent University, was quoted as saying that person-to-person transmission within Britain would not be a significant development.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has urged people with A/H1N1 flu symptoms to seek advice "as quickly as possible." He also reassured the public that the country is well prepared.

A public awareness campaign has been launched in Britain to provide people with basic knowledge of influenza A/H1N1 pandemic and its precaution measures.

(Xinhua News Agency May 2, 2009)