THE number of swine flu cases in Hyndburn is double the North West average.

There are now at least 15 confirmed cases in the borough with many more undiagnosed.

According to figures released by the East Lancashire Primary Care Trust this week the North West average is 6.8 cases of swine flu per 100,000 members of population.

Hyndburn has a population of 81,000 and a minimum of 15 cases.

Hyndburn Park Primary School, in Park Road, Accrington was the first school to succumb to the virus with 11-year-old Qaasim Pervaiz being the first person in East Lancashire diagnosed with the illness.

They now have four confirmed cases.

Accrington and Rossendale College has one member of staff being treated with anti-viral medication; while St Christopher’s Cof E Primary School, on Queen’s Road West, Accrington this week confirmed five cases.

St Andrew’s Primary School, Springfield Street, Oswaldtwistle and Moor End Primary School, White Ash Lane, Oswaldtwistle both have a number of confirmed cases and a number of suspected cases.

These development comes in the same week as healthy six-year-old Chloe Buckley from London died from the virus after she was diagnosed with tonsillitis

Chloe’s death takes the number of swine flu related deaths in Britain to 17.

NHS East Lancashire Public Health Director Dr Ellis Friedman this week praised the public in Hyndburn for their "calm, sensible and responsible approach" to the incidence of swine flu in their area.

But Dr Friedman said there was no room for complacency locally and stressed the importance of the key messages for local residents.

He said: "If a person thought they had swine flu, they should not go to their GP’s surgery but telephone their GP. The doctor would then decide whether their symptoms matched those of potential swine flu and then arrange for anti-virals to be dispensed if required.

He added: "In most cases, swine flu is a mild condition – rather like ordinary flu or a bad cold – and the patient will recover within seven days. However, vigilance and hygiene are vitally important.

"I cannot stress enough the importance of regular and thorough hand-washing, plus the importance of catching sneezes and coughs in a paper hankerchief, which should be disposed of immediately. People should look after themselves as much as possible."

Health authorities have said a swine flu vaccine will maybe available from next month and will eventually be available to the entire population.

The World Health Organisation on Monday said all countries will need access to vaccines against swine flu as the pandemic is "unstoppable."

The map below shows all the confirmed cases so far - click on each pinpoint for information ...

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