EFN

Public health agencies reported this morning that 26 more Massachusetts residents have confirmed cases of swine flu (H1N1), adding to the state total of  71 since the virus first came along in the state less than two weeks ago.

An 11-year-old child from Hampden County is among an the 26 cases of swine flu statewide.

All of the new cases is anticipated to fully recover. ONe of the new confirmed individuals was hospitalized, but has been discharged.

Of the 26 new cases, 14 are located in Middlesex County and of those, two are under the age of 10, 11 are between the ages of 11 and 20 and one is more than 20 years old.

The Department of Public Health (DPA) say They said it’s consistent with what has been seen in other states and reflects increased scrutiny and testing for the illness.

“We want to be proactive in offering assistance to schools and local communities which have been affected by the H1N1 outbreak,” DPH Commissioner John Auerbach. “The guidance from CDC has been changing often and we are working constantly to help our community partners to interpret that guidance.”