Britain's Department of Health confirmed on Monday nine new cases of the A/H1N1 flu infections, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 255.

The newly confirmed cases were all from England. Seven children and one adult were linked to ongoing investigations of school outbreaks. Another adult was a returning traveler.

"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.

To date, 234 cases have been confirmed in England, one from Northern Ireland, one from Wales and 19 from Scotland.

What's more, according to the Health Protection Agency, 301 cases are currently under laboratory investigation in Britain.

(Xinhua News Agency June 2, 2009)