THE number of confirmed swine flu cases at a North-East school has doubled in 24 hours.

Yesterday, it was reported that three pupils at Teesside High School, in Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, have swine flu.

Last night, NHS officials said that after tests on a dozen other pupils at the school the number of confirmed cases of Influenza A type H1N1 had risen to six.

The three extra cases bring the total number of swine flu cases in the North-East to nine.

Due to late reporting, the official Health Protection Agency total for the region stood at eight yesterday morning, but this is expected to be adjusted later today.

Despite the increase in confirmed flu cases at the private school, Professor Peter Kelly, executive director of public health for Teesside, issued a statement last night to provide reassurance for the public.

“We would expect to see an increase in the numbers of children or family members and friends connected with the school showing symptoms of the virus, which include mainly mild flu-like symptoms,” he said.

“However, the arrangements that are now in place, specifically at the school, locally and nationally, are well designed to deal with this.”

Prof Kelly urged any child or adult who develops symptoms of flu-like illness to stay at home and contact their GP or the NHS Direct telephone advice service.

“Each case will be assessed and, if necessary, testing and treatment will be provided,” he added.

Almost every one of the 370 pupils and their families have now been contacted and offered Tamiflu, an anti-viral medication.

A spokeswoman for the Health Protection Agency said efforts to trace where the Teesside High School pupils had picked up the infection were continuing.

Earlier this week, it was reported that a firefighter became the second confirmed case of swine flu in County Durham.

The county’s first swine flu victim was Daniel Thompson, from Spennymoor.

Both men had recently been in Las Vegas, in the US. Both are said to be doing well.

A 24-year-old soldier at Catterick Garrison, in North Yorkshire, is also recovering from swine flu.

In April, the first North-East case was confirmed in a Newcastle office worker.

Prof Kelly urged everyone to follow “good basic hygiene” to reduce the transmission of viruses, including covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and using a tissue where possible.

He also advised people to dispose of dirty tissues promptly, wash hands frequently with soap and water, and to clean hard surfaces such as door handles.