residents are being urged not to panic as the number of confirmed swine flu cases in Essex rose to five and a Canvey secondary school was closed for the second day.

Until next Monday, Castle View School’s doors will open only to pupils sitting their GCSEs after 12-year-old Joe Bland was diagnosed with the virus at the weekend and two other pupils started showing symptoms.

A 70-year-old woman from Basildon also diagnosed over the weekend is making a good recovery, as are men in Clacton and North Weald, diagnosed last week.

A second case in North Weald was confirmed yesterday, taking the county’s total to five.

Andrea Atherton, director of public health in south east Essex, said: “We would like to reassure local residents that unless they have flu-like symptoms and are being tested for swine flu, there is no need to stop normal everyday activities, such as going to work or school.”

Primary care trusts in south Essex are building up supplies of antiviral drugs.

Rebecca Hughes, spokesman for NHS South West Essex said: “The Department of Health has distributed antivirals across the country. These are being held at a secure location.”

Young Joe Bland is believed to have picked up the bug on a two-week trip to Mexico. Two other pupils from Castle View were also on the trip, along with one from Cornelius Vermuyden School.

Castle View headteacher Russell Sullivan said: “We have been working closely with the NHS and the Health Protection Agency. Results of tests are awaited.”

Parents and pupils seemed largely unphased by the scare.

Castle View pupil Aaron Stephens, 16, said: “I’m not really worried. I found out about it on Sunday, when people were talking about it on Myspace.”

Andy Daykin, 36, of Cedar Road, Canvey, has two children at Castle View School.

He said: “Personally, I think it could be a little bit of overkill to close the school, but I do understand completely where they’re coming from. It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

l Anyone with concerns can call the swine flu information line on 0800 1513513.