HEALTH officials in East Yorkshire have this morning, Wednesday, advised people not to panic after confirmation that the number of cases of swine flu in the Humber region has risen to three.
The news came after a teenage boy from Beverley who attends the Hymers' College in Hull was revealed to have contracted the virus.
Dr Tim Allison, Director of Public Health for NHS East Riding of Yorkshire, said: "Although we now have two confirme
d cases of swine flu in East Riding of Yorkshire, I would like to stress there is still no need to panic.
"Due to the ongoing situation in the rest of the country we are following the tried and tested plan for dealing with swine flu.
"Our message remains the same that this is not currently a serious condition for the majority of people and patients can be managed well at home, so people in the wider community should not be concerned.
"Because of patient confidentiality we cannot give more information about any individual patient but what we can say is that these particular patients are being given anti-viral drugs and are responding well to treatment. The two cases are unrelated."
He continues: "Unless someone starts to display flu-like symptoms they should go about their normal daily business.
"This advice also applies to people returning from overseas travel, as long as they remain well.
"The most important thing that people can do to help stop the spread of swine flu is focus on good hygiene.
"Use a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes, dispose of tissues in a bin and wash hands properly with soap and water to kill germs.
"If anyone wants more information about swine flu we would encourage them to call the swine flu information line on 0800 1 513 513.
"If a person has flu-like symptoms, they should stay at home and contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or phone their GP."
For the latest information on the number of confirmed cases nationally please visit
www.hpa.org.uk**The Humber region includes East Yorkshire, Hull, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnnshire.