SUSPECTED cases of swine flu were reported in 15 schools across Bridgwater last week as the spread of the virus continues to accelerate in the South-West.

Flu symptoms have taken hold of children and staff the area as well as adults in businesses including Hinkley Point A - although no cases have been confirmed.

According to Somerset County Council, East Bridgwater, Hamp Infants, Middlezoy, North Petherton, Puriton, Sedgemoor Infants and Junior, St John and St Francis, Wembdon and Woolavington have reported suspected cases.

After calls to further schools, The Mercury found that Chilton, Eastover, Haygrove, Othery and Westover Green had also had pupils or staff affected by the symptoms related to the virus.

Although cases of swine flu are no longer being confirmed due to the volumes of people affected, there were an estimated 55,000 new cases in the UK last week, and 29 people have died so far.

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.”

They NHS say only a small number of cases have led to serious illness, and these have frequently been where patients have had underlying health problems - just like a normal strain of flu.

Anyone with flu symptoms should call their family doctor for guidance. For more information on swine flu, call 0800-1513513.