A SECOND case of swine flu has been confirmed on Canvey.

A second pupil at Castle View School tested positive for the swine flu virus.

The two pupils are in the same year group at the school.

The second pupil, together with all the other pupils in the year group, received the anti-viral drug Tamiflu at the weekend.

People in close contacts of the confirmed cases have also been given Tamiflu.

Castle View School has been closed since Monday 11 May as a precautionary measure and is due to reopen on18 May 2009.

Andrea Atherton, Director of Public Health for NHS South East Essex, said: "We continue to work closely with Castle View School, Essex County Council and the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

"It is important to stress that the symptoms of swine flu are relatively speaking, mild and to date we have had eight cases confirmed in the whole of the East of England.

"We would like to reassure parents and local residents that unless you have flu-like symptoms and are being tested for swine flu, there is absolutely no need to stop your normal everyday activities, such as going to work or school.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all staff at the school, parents and the wider local community for their cooperation and support during this time.

If people are still worried, then up to date information can be found by calling the national swine flu information line on 0800 1 513 513.

FULL STORY AND REACTION IN THURSDAY'S ECHO