PEOPLE have been warned not to panic despite two cases of swine flu confirmed in Essex.

A man in Clacton tested positive for the virus on Wednesday after recently returning from Mexico. Yesterday a man from North Weald also tested positive.

But health authorities in south Essex say there is still no cause for alarm and continue to promote the clean your hands message.

NHS South East Essex says it expects some members of the public will contact their GP or NHS Direct seeking advice. Dr Andrea Atherton, Director of Public Health at the trust, said: “People shouldn’t feel unduly alarmed by the recent cases of swine flu in the UK.

“There is still a low risk of contracting this strain of flu and the good news from affected areas is that people diagnosed with swine flu who receive anti-virals, like Tamiflu, early enough seem to be recovering.

“It is also important to remember we are not in a pandemic phase at the moment. If and when this does arise we are fully equipped to deal with it and have robust, carefully prepared plans in place.

Along with other agencies and NHS organisations we will continue to monitor the situation and respond accordingly.”

She added the key messages remain the same: If you have recently travelled back from one of the areas where cases of swine flu have been identified or come into contact with someone who has and are experiencing flu-like symptoms stay at home and contact your GP or NHS Direct on 08454647 for advice.