THREE more cases of swine flu have been confirmed in Guernsey – and Sark’s first case has also been confirmed.

It brings the total to five confirmed cases in the Bailiwick so far. Further tests are being carried out on a sixth person.

Director of public health Dr Stephen Bridgman (pictured) said that of the four latest confirmed cases – three men and one woman – three had contracted the virus during trips to the UK, Europe or Asia.

They were suffering mild to moderate symptoms and were at home. Some had not required anti-viral drugs and were better by the time the diagnosis had been made.

‘One is likely to have contracted the virus in the Far East and only developed symptoms on returning to Guernsey – another example of the way that modern transport can rapidly aid the spread of infection,’ said Dr Bridgman.

‘It is likely that a lot more people are going to become unwell in the coming weeks and months, but the good news is that most are suffering a mild-moderate self-limiting illness that may require no specific treatment.’

Dr Bridgman was aware of anxiety among some people but said there was no need to panic. Of the 5,000 cases reported in the UK only two people in Scotland had died – the only reported deaths in Europe – and both were understood to have had other underlying medical problems.