Two new cases of swine flu were confirmed on Saturday night, including a two-year-old boy and a 22-year-old woman, but no new cases had been registered by early evening yesterday.

The toddler's case was not travel-related, meaning it was transmitted locally, while the woman contracted the flu in Belgium. Both live in Malta, as opposed to Gozo where the majority of cases have so far been detected.

In all, eight new cases were reported on Saturday, bringing to 77 the number registered on both islands in 10 days. However, 19 people have already recovered.

No patients are currently in hospital and all those diagnosed are said to be responding well to the treatment.

In line with the new approach to the illness announced last Wednesday, only vulnerable groups are being tested, such as elderly people, pregnant women and children under five. Those showing flu symptoms are immediately prescribed the antiviral Tamiflu.

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