ELEVEN schools in Southend have confirmed cases of swine flu, it has been revealed.

There have been 28 cases in both secondary and primary schools across the borough, but none of the schools has been closed.

Southend Council, in line with Government guidance, says parents should send their children to affected schools if they have not been diagnosed with the disease.

Paul Greenhalgh, the council’s corporate director of children and learning, said: “Swine flu is now circulating in the community, which includes the borough’s schools.

“Advice from the Health Protection Agency states closing a school would not help to slow the spread of the virus, as people could still be exposed outside the school.

“Staff and pupils who have been feeling unwell have been advised to seek assistance and treatment from their GP.

“Anyone diagnosed with the virus should follow medical advice and stay away from school.”

The rapid spread in schools follows news the first healthy person in Britain died from the disease at Basildon Hospital. Elsewhere across the country, a GP and a six-year-old girl have both died after contracting swine flu.

Some parents have taken their children out of West Leigh Junior School.

One mum at the school, who refused to be named, said: “We all know swine flu is in our area, and we just want to know the facts.”

But when contacted by the Echo, the junior school referred all inquiries to Southend Council.

Meanwhile, Essex County Council said it was not able to say which schools had been affected in Basildon, Rochford and Castle Point, but said none were closed.

Spokesman Michael Page said: “Essex County Council is currently supporting and advising a number of schools across the county with confirmed cases.”

However, the Echo reported Castle View school, Canvey, was closed after two pupils caught swine flu. A pupil at the Appleton School, in Benfleet, also went down with the illness, but the school stayed open.

Mr Page added schools could close if a significant number of pupils or teachers were taken ill.

Parents with children suspected of having swine flu are advised to call NHS Direct or their local GP.

List of schools affected: Leigh: Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Primary School; Chalkwell Hall Junior School; Darlinghurst Primary and Nursery School; West Leigh Junior School. Westcliff: Southend High School for Boys; St Bernard’s High School; St Thomas More High School for Boys; Westborough Primary School and Nursery. Southend: Bournemouth Park Primary School; Hamstel Junior School. Shoebury: Friars Primary School and Nursery.