SOMERSET’S health bosses are preparing to deal with an outbreak of swine flu after a 12-year-old Devon girl tested positive yesterday.

The girl, who had visited Mexico, is said to have mild symptoms and is reported to be responding well to treatment.

Her school, Paignton Community College, has closed and pupils will be offered anti-viral drugs.

Four other people have tested positive in England and two in Scotland.

The flu, which caused a global alert after an outbreak in Mexico, is a virus that causes illness in pigs and occasionally in humans.

Today, Somerset County Council has said it is well prepared in the event of Swine Flu coming to Somerset.

A statement from the authority says it has had plans in place preparing for any outbreak of pandemic influenza since 2007.

The plan sets out how the council will continue to deliver its essential services to the people of Somerset.

Key service areas of the council, covering areas such as adult social care for example, have their own detailed plans to make sure vulnerable people are cared for.

Nicola Dawson, Somerset County Council’s civil contingencies manager, said: “We prepare for all sorts of emergency scenarios – including flooding, nuclear incidents and pandemic flu.

“Over the last two years, we have taken part in two pandemic flu exercises and over the last year we've had four tests of our ability to cope with interruptions to our daily business.

“Together with other local authorities, health organisations and emergency services, Somerset County Council is prepared for any potential disruption caused by swine flu.”

Dr Paul Baines, A&E consultant at Taunton’s Musgrove Park Hospital, said: “Home is the best place for people with flu, regardless of the cause or source.

“Anyone concerned should ring NHS Direct on 0845-4647, their local GP or out of hours service.”

Dr Caroline Gamlin, director of public health with NHS Somerset, said: “We haven’t had any cases here in Somerset to date.

“The NHS and all the public services throughout Somerset and the UK have well prepared flu contingency plans.

“Should we have a case in Somer-set I believe we’re well prepared to manage this.

“Existing plans would be immediately put in place to minimise any disruption to the delivery of public services.

“If any Somerset residents have recently returned from a holiday or business trip to Mexico and feel that they have symptoms of a cold or flu they’re advised to stay at home and phone their GP for advice.

“They shouldn’t go to their surgery or a hospital A&E department as it could increase the risk of passing on any potential virus.

“It’s also important to remember that each of us can help reduce our risk of exposure from common colds and flu exposure viruses by making sure we practise good hygiene.

“You can’t catch swine flu from eating pork or pork products.”

The authority has issued the following health advice:

  • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue whenever possible
  • Dispose of dirty tissues promptly and carefully – bag and bin them
  • Maintain good hygiene – washing hands frequently with soap and water
  • Clean hard surfaces (e.g. kitchen worktops, door handles) frequently, using a normal cleaning product
  • Stay at home when you are sick – if you have a cough and a fever, it is best to rest at home, take medicines to relieve the symptoms and drink plenty of fluids. This will speed your recovery and help prevent the spread of infection.