THE first case of swine flu in North Yorkshire has been confirmed by health chiefs.

A woman in the Hambleton area tested positive for the virus over the weekend, meaning the national total of cases has now risen to 244.

However, her symptoms are described as mild – “a bit of a cold and sniffles” – and she has not been admitted to hospital.

Instead, she is being cared for at home, where she is on anti-viral drugs and she is said to be responding well to the treatment.

In the interests of patient confidentiality the woman’s identity is not being revealed – but it is known she only recently returned from overseas, possibly the US.

A household contact of the woman is also being treated as a precautionary measure, but has not been diagnosed with the virus.

The woman is the second in the region to fall victim to the virus, following the confirmation of a case in Newcastle a month ago.

A woman who works for Proctor and Gamble at its office on the Cobalt Business Park, in North Tyneside, was diagnosed after she returned from Cancun, Mexico. She too was treated at home.

The director of public health at NHS North Yorkshire and York, Dr Peter Brambleby, said the latest development would not change their advice.

“If we identify any further cases of swine flu in our area, anti-viral drugs will be made available to the individual and anyone they are in close contact with, such as other members of their immediate household, in accordance with current national guidance,”

he said.

He added: “If someone has flu-like symptoms they should stay at home and contact NHS Direct on 0845-4647 or phone their GP.

“This way they can get advice and any necessary assessment and treatment without coming into contact with the wider public.”

For further details, call the swine flu information line, set up by the Department for Health, on 0800-1513-513.