Number of swine flu cases jump

BOSTON (AP) - Authorities say the number of confirmed swine flu cases in Massachusetts has jumped to 529 after health officials identified 61 new infections.

The state Public Health Department said Friday that five of the newly confirmed cases were hospitalized in the state, raising the total of hospitalizations to 32. That accounts for 6 percent of victims since the outbreak began.

Twenty-four of the new cases were reported in Suffolk County and 22 were in Middlesex County. Eight cases were in Norfolk, six were recorded in Worcester and one in Barnstable.

The number of swine flu infections in Massachusetts has alarmed health officials in nearby states.

Maine officials issued an advisory Thursday, warning of a troubling trend in the region.