AN outbreak of the swine flu virus has struck at least four Vale schools.

Honeybourne First School, Simon de Montfort Middle School, and Pershore High School have each confirmed one case of the virus and Swan Lane First School has reported two cases in the last fortnight.

All pupils have now recovered and returned to classes.

There are also believed to be cases at Blackminster Middle School, St Egwins CE Middle School, and St Richard’s CE First School, although the schools are yet to confirm this.

A Government letter has been issued to parents alerting them to the detection of swine flu and assuring them the schools would be operating normally.

Elaine Huntingdon, headteacher at Honeybourne First School, said staff had already been working with pupils through the Sneezesafe campaign, teaching them the importance of using tissues and washing their hands to stop the spread of the virus.

Pershore High School deputy headteacher, Phil Hanson, said: “It’s the last week of term so we’re not anticipating any major disruption. I suspect there may be other cases in the future.”

The West Midlands is among the worst affected places in Britain with more than 4,000 people now confirmed to have Swine Flu in the region.

Nationally, the figures have topped 9,000, leading the UK to have the highest number of diagnosed cases behind Mexico and the USA.

The total of British Swine Flu related deaths has now risen to 17.

Symptoms of swine flu include a high temperature, as well as two or more of the following – cough, sore throat, runny nose, pain in the limbs or joints or headache.

Anyone who suspects a case is advised to stay at home, rest, drink plenty of fluids and take over-thecounter flu remedies.

They should call their GP for a diagnosis, and only visit A&E or their surgery if they are seriously ill. For more information or advice call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or visit nhsdirect.nhs.uk. General advice is also available by calling 08001 513513.