THREE new cases of swine flu were confirmed in Herefordshire on the same day this week, bringing the county total to seven.

They are not linked and all patients are said to be responding well but health chiefs warn the numbers will rise.

A 12-year-old is among the latest cases. Others include a 22-year-old woman and a healthcare worker, aged 21.

The primary care trust says the worker’s colleagues have been informed and told contact tracing was not necessary.

A case of swine flu has also been confirmed at the Play and Learn Nursery, in the grounds of St Martin's Primary School in Hereford.

Staff are awaiting guidance, but the nursery and school was open as usual.

The age and sex of the victim have not been released.

Everyone in the county could be offered swine flu vaccinations later this year.

GPs are putting plans in place for immunisation sessions for all their patients in the autumn. Children will probably get a jab at school.

Herefordshire Council and NHS Herefordshire are also working closely with organisers of Bromyard’s Nozstock Festival and the Big Chill at Eastnor to ensure hygiene and treatment measures are in place.