CDC: US swine flu cases rise to nearly 34,000

ATLANTA (AP) — Health officials say the number of U.S. swine flu cases has reached nearly 34,000, and deaths rose 34 percent in the past week to hit 170.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the numbers Thursday afternoon. They mark an increase from the 127 deaths and nearly 28,000 confirmed and suspected swine flu cases reported last week.

The United States has nearly half the world's reported swine flu cases.