Swine flu is confirmed at seven Walsall schools

SWINE flu has been confirmed at seven schools in Walsall.

An outbreak involving at least one pupil or staff member has occurred at Abu Bakr Independent School, Alumwell Infant, Junior and Comprehensive schools, Park Hall Junior School and Queen Mary's Grammar and Girls' Schools.

None of the schools have been closed and parents are being urged not to keep their children from attending, unless they are feeling unwell. The advice is that the infection is generally mild and people should not be alarmed.

Martin Turner, head of communications for NHS Walsall said: "This is mild flu but does spread rapidly. Those suffering have reported symptoms which have less severe consequences than seasonal flu.

"If people have symptoms they are advised not to go to accident and emergency or to their GP. They should stay at home and ring their GP, call NHS Walsall's helpline on 01922 603 000 or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47."

The total number of confirmed cases in Walsall on Wednesday was 29, with 2,424 cases having been confirmed across the West Midlands as a whole. The figure for the region makes up almost half of all cases confirmed by the Health Protection Agency in England (5,704) as of yesterday (July 1).

Dr Sam Ramaiah, director of Public Health at NHS Walsall said: "We have seen an increase in the cases of swine flu within the Walsall area recently.

"We continue to work very closely with Walsall Children's Servives Serco, our health partners, local authority, education and West Midlands constabulary to prepare ourselves for the inevitable increase in cases."

Denise McLellan, chief executive, NHS Walsall said: "We would like to reassure Walsall residents that everything that needs to be done to prepare us to tackle high levels of swine flu in the borough is being done right now.

"I am confident that we have robust plans in place to respond to increasing numbers of cases in the borough."

Parents with children suffering from a high temperature (38 degrees centigrade or above) and with two or more of the following symptoms: cough, sore throat, runny nose, joint pain, headache or diarrhoea and vomiting, are advised to call the helpline.

If a child suffers from severe or asthma, cystic fibrosis or other chronic respiratory illness, insulin controlled diabetes, chronic heart, kidney, spleen or liver problems or is currently pregnant, their parent is advised to call 01922 603070 for further advice, even if they do not have symptoms.

A spokesperson for Walsall Children's Services Serco added: "We are working closely with health professionals and Walsall Council to effectively manage the spread of swine flu in the borough and to maintain the safety of all of our children and young people.

"At Walsall schools where swine flu has been identified as a risk letters have been sent to parents at their recommendation.

"Parents who have not received a letter should continue to follow the usual precautions, such as following the 'catch it, bin it, kill it' guidelines and regular hand washing."