THE first case of swine flu has been confirmed in Hampshire.

NHS Hampshire and the Health Protection Agency are reassuring people they have well established plans to deal with an outbreak after a Southampton man was diagnosed with the H1N1 virus.

The man recently returned from holiday to an affected area and his symptoms are described as mild. He is expected to make a full recovery.

NHS Hampshire said he is being treated with anti-viral drugs at home and is responding well to treatment. No work places or schools are affected.

The case takes the total number of people confirmed to have the virus in the UK to 117.

Dr Andrew Mortimore, public health director for Southampton said: “We now have a confirmed case in Southampton, which is not a surprise given the pattern of spread of this new strain of influenza.

“We will continue to ensure all the appropriate measures for swine flu are in place. This is as part of our plans for which the NHS and partner organisations have been preparing for many years.

“I would like to reassure members of the public that confirmed cases of swine flu in the country still remain very low at this stage, and would encourage local people not to be alarmed.

“It is important that we all continue to follow the Catch It, Bin It, Kill it advice to reduce the risk of spreading infection. Anyone who is concerned that they may have swine flu should stay at home and contact the National Flu Information Line on 0800 151 3513, NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or telephone your GP.”