Seven new A/H1N1 flu cases were confirmed in Britain on Thursday, bringing the current total number of confirmed cases in the country to 78.

A statement from the Department of Health said: "The Northern Ireland Executive announced a case earlier today and there are six cases in England: three children and two adults in the London region and one adult from the East of England. Of these, four are linked to previously confirmed cases and the other two are returning travellers."

So far, all infections in Britain have been "mild", and cases have been diagnosed and treated early, which have reduced the severity of symptoms and helped to limit the spread.

The Department of Health added that "It is right to prepare for the possibility of a global pandemic. The UK's arrangements are continuing to ensure that we are well-placed to deal with this new infection."

(Xinhua News Agency May 15, 2009)