SWABI, Jan 2: Three more cases of swine flu were confirmed in the district after laboratory tests here on Sunday.

The World Health Organisation surveillance staff brought results of their tests from Islamabad and handed over them to district health department. They also advised the health department about possible remedial measures.

According to sources the WHO staff expressed satisfaction over the steps, already taken by the district health department.

The district health authorities said that with confirmation of new cases the number of swine flu patients reached to seven. The first two cases were confirmed on Dec 27 last.

District Health Officer Dr Gul Mohammad, when contacted, said that the three new cases didn't belong to the old affected regions. “It means that the virus has been spreading across the district and we have to take more extraordinary steps,” he said.

The new affected persons were identified as Tasleem Bibi, a resident of Gabasni village in Gadoon Amazi, Majid Khan, a resident of Maneri Payyan, and Mashal of Chaknoda union council.

To a question, the DHO said that that the new cases showed that swine flu virus existed in many regions. “We have already taken all precautionary measures and the staff of WHO is cooperating with the district health authorities from the day first,” he said.

He said that officials of district administration were also supporting them. He added that officials of the health department had held several meetings with the district coordination officer.

He said that all the three patients were kept in isolated ward at Shahmansoor Hospital Complex. “We are treating them according to requirements. All the needed facilities are provided to them.

We are monitoring the situation round the clock,” he said.