NHS worker becomes infected with swine flu

The man, Graeme Pacitti, 24, of Falkirk, is a friend of Dawn and Iain Askham, who were the first two confirmed cases in the country.

Scottish health secretary, Nicola Sturgeon, said: ‘While the circumstances surrounding this case do give cause for concern, it is important to stress that the risk to public health in Scotland remains low.

‘This is the first case of transmission from human to human in this country but, fortunately, the symptoms are mild and those affected appear to be making a full recovery.

‘Scotland, and the UK as a whole, is well prepared for a pandemic but we must remain vigilant as we focus on disrupting the spread of the virus.

‘I would urge everyone in Scotland to remain calm and continue taking sensible hygiene precautions.’

A school in Bristol has also closed after a pupil was suspected of having caught the virus, although this case has not yet been confirmed.

A further 642 cases are currently under investigation by agency officials at the agency’s Centre for Infections Virus Reference Department.

It has also issued guidance for schools where there are suspected or strongly suspected cases of swine flu.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health’s have produced a TV ad, Catch it, Bin it, Kill it!, urging the public to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues, throw them away and wash their hands.

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