hrobinson@thekmgroup.co.uk

THE number of confirmed swine flu cases in Medway has risen to four.

NHS Medway says the male patient will be treated with anti-viral medication.

Anyone who has been in close contact with him has been contacted by the Health Protection Agency so they can start treatment.

The other three patients - two men and one woman - are also being treated with anti-viral medication and nyone who has been in close contact with them has already been contacted so they can start treatment.

The first case of the virus in Medway was confirmed on Monday, June 15, and the second two on Wednesday, June 17.

The overall number of cases across Kent has now risen to 26 after 10 students tested positive for the virus at the University of Kent at its Canterbury campus. It’s understood that students and staff at the Medway campus have not been affected and both campuses are operating as normal.

The 10 students have been given anti-viral medication, are said to be responding well to treatment and have all returned home, according to health chiefs.

NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent and the Health Protection Agency’s unit in Kent are working closely with the university to ensure anyone who made close contact with any of the students are offered anti-viral drugs as a precaution.

Dr Mathi Chandrakumar, director of the Kent Health Protection Unit, said: "We have always said that we expected this virus to spread and that we would monitor the situation closely.

"We know that in the majority of swine flu patients so far, the disease is generally mild, but is proving severe in a small minority of cases.

"We would urge the public to practice correct respiratory and hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of the virus."

Further information about swine flu can be obtained by visiting the HPA website at www.hpa.org.uk