No panic at Hexham swine flu cases

However family and friends of the girl have all been given anti-viral treatment as a precaution.

One parent of a child at the school said: "I am only mildly concerned because swine flu does not seem to be developing into the alarming epidemic we had thought it would.

"But clearly it is not good. What is more of a worry is that one of my children is only three-years-old."

The ill pupil is thought to be the sister of a female One North East worker who contracted the disease while on holiday in Spain.

The school is situated on Highford Lane - an upmarket leafy area of the town. The school accepts pupils from all areas of the town and surrounding villages. Neighbours surrounding the school were unconcerned about the latest outbreak.

One resident on the street, who has children at the school but didn't want to be named, said: "We had a letter sent home from the school informing us about swine flu.

"I am not terribly concerned about it. There was a lot of panic when it was first in the news but I think it has been proven to be fairly mild now.

"It can be milder than normal flu and the authorities seem to have plenty of anti-viral drugs."

A spokesman for Northumberland County Council confirmed the case at the school and added: "The general advice we would give if anyone is concerned about flu-like symptoms is that they phone their GP or NHS Direct for further advice. Further information is also available on the swine flu information line on 0800 1513 513.

"The school is in contact with the Health Protection Agency and any updates and advice we receive will be communicated to parents."

A spokesman for One North East said: "We can confirm that a member of staff has tested positive for swine flu. The employee is currently recovering well at home and has been prescribed a course of anti-viral medicine.

"All close contacts of the member of staff at work have been identified and offered anti-viral medication as a precautionary measure.

"On the advice of the Health Protection Agency, One North East business is continuing as normal at its bases at Stella House and Riverside House, both Newburn Riverside, Newcastle, and the situation is being closely monitored."

The cases bring the tally to seven in Northumberland.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) said it was aware of 32 cases in the region.

A spokeswoman for Northumberland Care Trust said: "We can confirm two new cases of swine flu have been discovered in Northumberland.

"A woman who recently returned from Spain is recovering at home. A second person, who is not thought to be a returning traveller, is also recovering at home.

"Their symptoms have been mild and there was no need for hospitalisation. Both of their close contacts have already been identified by the HPA and offered anti-virals as a precautionary measure."