H1N1 swine flu cases hit 244 in 34 states

May 3, 7:50 PMSF Health News ExaminerJefferson Adams

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 Tallies of confirmed H1N1 swine flu cases continue to
 increase as test results are updated.

Updated tallies released on Sunday by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention show that the H1N1 swine flu virus has spread to over 244 individuals in 34 states. That tally marks an increase over the CDC's earlier count of 160 confirmed cases in 21 states.

The new higher count is the result of streamlined federal reporting protocols, along with test results from states that are just beginning to confirm cases, rather than a sudden increase in new cases, said Dr. Anne Schuchat of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. Officials expect the count to rise as new tallies are updated.

About 30% of U.S. cases thus far have arisen in people who had visited Mexico and likely become infected while there. Still, new cases are arising, and the CDC says it is likely still being spread. However, American health officials remain cautiously optimistic that the new flu isn't as dangerous as first feared. Speaking on CBS' Face the Nation, acting CDC director Dr. Richard Besser called the situation "rapidly evolving," and still "cloaked in uncertainty," but noted that they're "starting to see encouraging signs."

In California,  Department of Public Health spokesman Al Lundeen said that officials were processing samples from 110 likely cases, up from 17 confirmed and 55 likely cases on Friday. No deaths have been reported in the state from the virus.

Meanwhile, Mexican Health Secretary Jose Angel Cordova said the evolution of the flu epidemic in his Mexico "is now in its declining phase," though new cases are being reported in other countries. Mexico's flu-related death toll remains at 19, with the number of confirmed cases having risen slightly, from 473 to 506, including the dead. Total cases worldwide are approaching 800 and rising, most in Mexico, the U.S. and Canada.

Colombia on Sunday reported South America's first confirmed case of swine flu a day after Costa Rica reported Central America's first case. The Spanish Health Ministry has confirmed 40 cases of swine flu virus - making Spain the hardest hit European nation. The Ministry said most of the victims have already recovered. All but two had recently visited Mexico. Britain, Italy and Germany have also reported new cases.