Two more Birmingham schools hit by swine flu
But an agency spokesman said: “What we are saying is that some of the cases would be associated with Welford Primary.
“At the moment it’s almost impossible to know how many.”
Twenty-three new cases of swine flu were confirmed in the West Midlands yesterday bringing the regional total to 139 – the highest of any region in England.
Parents at Hollyhead School were sent a letter from the headteacher confirming cases at the school and that staff were closely monitoring absentee rates.
Headteacher Martin Bayliss said: “I am writing to inform you of two recently confirmed incidents of swine flu at Hollyhead School.
“The Health Protection Agency and the Heart of Birmingham Teaching Primary Care Trust have carried out a full risk assessment and have agreed that there is no public health need for the school to close because the students did not attend school with symptoms.
“There are now tissues and antibacterial hand gel in every room in the school.
‘‘Staff and students have been urged to pay particular attention to personal hygiene, specifically hand washing with soap and water.
“The school is closely monitoring absentee rates and being vigilant for the symptoms of flu amongst students and staff.
“We continue to be in touch with the HPA in case the situation changes.”
The number of H1N1 swine flu victims in the UK has now reached 621.
A further 523 cases are currently under laboratory investigation in the UK.
Dr Rashmi Shukla, regional director of public health, said: “There are simple steps everyone can take.
“Always use a tissue to catch your sneezes, throw away used tissues where germs can linger and regularly wash your hands.”
The World Health Organisation has warned it is “getting closer” to declaring a global outbreak of the virus.
