Britain Confirms Two Cases Of Swine Flu Infection

The two are being treated under isolation in hospital in Airdrie, near Glasgow in Scotland.

Britain said on Monday two people had tested positive for the deadly H1N1 virus, the first cases of swine flu in the country.

The two flew back to Scotland last week after a holiday in Mexico and are being treated in hospital in Airdrie, near Glasgow, Scotland's health minister told reporters in Edinburgh. They are recovering well, she said.

Seven other people who came into contact with the two are receiving treatment for mild symptoms of the illness.

"I am able to confirm to you this evening that the two suspected cases of swine flu in Scotland have been confirmed as positive," health minister Nicola Sturgeon said.

"I am pleased to say that both individuals are recovering well in hospital."

The virus began in Mexico where up to 149 people have died, and has since spread to the United States, Canada and Spain.

Sturgeon said the threat to the public remained low.

A total of 22 people who came into contact with the two confirmed cases have been identified but only seven of those have shown what she described as mild symptoms.

"We remain very encouraged by the fact that, outside Mexico, everyone who has contracted swine flu has experienced mild symptoms only," she said.