An adult from the North-West has tested positive for swine flu, the Government has confirmed.

The latest case brings the number of victims in England to nine - with 642 suspected cases still awaiting laboratory confirmation.

In Scotland the UK's first case of human-to-human transmission has also been confirmed today.

A 24-year-old health worker contracted the virus from a friend who fell ill after returning from Mexico.

Both the latest victims are suffering mild symptoms and are responding to retroviral drugs.

The Health Protection Agency's advice remains that individuals returning from affected areas who become unwell within seven days of their return should stay at home and contact their GP by phone or ring NHS Direct on 0845 4647. Individuals will be assessed and, if necessary, testing and treatment will be provided.

The Health Protection Agency has issued advice today for schools who have strongly suspected or confirmed cases of swine flu.

Measures including deciding to close temporarily or offer antivirals as a precautionary measure are only advised when a case is strongly suspected or confirmed within a school community.

A spokesman: "These decisions are a matter for local determination on a case by case basis by schools, working with the Health Protection Agency, NHS Primary Care Trusts and local authorities.

"We are aware that some schools have taken advice and considered instituting precautionary measures where cases are still under laboratory investigation but have yet to be confirmed."