Vermont Health Department officials say the number of flu cases in the state is increasing.
Health Commissioner Dr. Wendy Davis says 11 flu cases have been confirmed in southwestern Vermont, eight of those cases the H1N1 swine flu.
The state upgraded its index of flu severity to "local" from "sporadic." Local is the third-highest ranking by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, below "widespread" and "regional."
Davis said it’s expected the state will move up soon from local to regional.
Some seasonal flu vaccine clinics have been postponed because of a shortage of vaccine.
The swine flu vaccine is due to arrive soon.
Information for this report came from The Burlington Free Press.