TWO cases of swine flu have been confirmed at a Worcester primary school but the school will remain open.

The cases were confirmed in pupils at Stanley Road Primary School in Worcester today.

But health experts have decided to keep the school open as the pupils have not attended school since being symptomatic.

Dr Richard Harling, Director of Public Health at NHS Worcestershire, said: “We have written to parents at the school today to explain the situation to them fully.

“Two cases of swine flu among pupils at the school were confirmed last night. However, these children did not acquire the infection at school. In addition, they have not been to school whilst symptomatic and there is no evidence at the moment that there has been any further transmission within the school.

“We do not believe therefore that pupils are at significant risk of catching swine flu in the school.

“We have not issued antiviral medication at the moment because is not clear that the benefits outweigh any potential side effects. In addition we have advised the school that there is no need to close at this time.

“We will be monitoring the situation very closely.”

Pupils are scheduled to go back to Nunnery Wood High School in Worcester tomorrow after more than a week.

There were four confirmed cases there, all in year eight pupils.

Worcestershire has a well developed plan for handling an influenza pandemic, in line with national plans. NHS Worcestershire and other public agencies are monitoring the emerging situation constantly.

Nationally there is a stockpile of antivirals sufficient to treat at least half of the population and in the event of a pandemic we would expect to receive our share of this.

Symptoms of infection include fever, cough, runny nose, limb or joint pain and headache.

People who develop symptoms should stay at home and contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647. Arrangements will then be made for them to be assessed and provided with treatment if necessary. They are asked not to go to their GP and not to go to hospital.

Advice to all members of the public if they develop symptoms is to: • Avoid contact with other people as much as possible • Cover nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible • Dispose of dirty tissues promptly and carefully • Maintain good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people • Clean hard surfaces (eg door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product • Make sure their children follow this advice.

Any other schools who notice any cases or clusters of flu like illness among pupils have been asked to contact NHS Worcestershire or the HPA for information and advice.