MORE schools in Taunton and Wellington have reported cases of swine flu.

In Taunton, schools with reported cases include Bishop Fox’s Community, The Castle, North Town Primary, Bishop’s Hull Primary and the nursery at Somerset College.

Yesterday, Court Fields Community School in Wellington was added to the list.

Parents at the affected schools have been informed of the situation by letter.

North Town head teacher Jenny Venning said: “Following guidance from the Somerset Health Protection Unit and NHS Somerset, the school will remain open and letters are being issued to all parents to inform them of the situation.”

Dr Mark Salter, Public Health Consultant with the Dorset and Somerset Health Protection Unit, said: “We believe the levels of swine flu continue be very low in Somerset at this time and those who have been affected have experienced only mild symptoms of flu.

“Schools and other institutions do not need to close. This would only become necessary if local circumstances warrant it, for example if a significant number of pupils or teachers are ill and this is not the case at this time.”

Concern was raised last week after a six-year-old girl, who apparently had no other health problems, died after contracting the virus in Middlesex but as the County Gazette went to press, the cause of her death was still being investigated.

Symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of seasonal flu, including fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing, a sore throat, muscle and joint pain, headaches and chills.

For details on swine flu, click on www.nhs.uk or call 0800-1513513

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