Island has first swine flu case

The first case of swine flu in Guernsey has been confirmed by health officials.

A man was diagnosed as part of the island's increased surveillance for flu symptoms and is thought to have caught it from a visitor from the Americas.

The States said the case had been "relatively mild" and said the man had already returned to work by the time the diagnosis came through.

Anyone who came into contact with the man is being treated with anti-flu drugs, the States added.

Dr Stephen Bridgman, director of public health, is calling on islanders to follow good hygiene practices to reduce the risk of the virus spreading.

"We are likely to see more cases in Guernsey spread through respiratory droplets." he said.

"Therefore the need for following good hygiene practices, including coughing and sneezing into a tissue, disposal of tissues and keeping surfaces clean, remains important."

His plea comes just over a week after he warned of the inevitability of swine flu reaching the island.