kmilanian@thekmgroup.co.uk

The first case of swine flu has been confirmed in Medway.

The person involved tested positive last week and is being treated with antivirals at home.

The case comes after the World Health Organisation (WHO) stepped up the state of alert for pandemic flu to Phase 6, meaning there is a global pandemic.

The NHS is currently unable to confirm whether the Medway patient has been to a country where swine flu has been indentified, or in contact with another Swine Flu case.

Dr Alison Barnett, Medway’s director of public health, said: "NHS Medway has robust plans in place to deal with swine flu.

"The change in World Health Organisation alert phase was taken on the basis of the spread of swine flu in Australia, the USA and Mexico.

"Although there are an increasing number of cases in the UK, there are still fewer than 1,200 in total.

"There are a few cases in Kent and one in Medway.

"At this time WHO considers the overall severity of the influenza pandemic to be moderate.

"The majority of patients are experiencing mild symptoms and are recovering within a few days.

"The change in alert phase does not mean that there will be significant changes to the response to swine flu in this country at this stage."

The advice being given to the public continues to be that anyone who has recently returned from one of the countries where swine flu has been identified, or who has been in contact with a case of swine flu, and who has flu-like symptoms should stay at home and contact their GP by phone or NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

To read the latest official advice and find out how you can help to protect yourself and others log on to www.nhs.uk or call the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1513 513.

Further information about Swine Flu can also be found on the NHS Medway website http://www.medwaypct.nhs.uk/