EIGHT children and one adult are currently being treated or have received advice about swine flu at an East Lancashire primary school.

Two cases of the H1N1 strain were reported at Helmshore Primary School last week, according to headteacher Christine Myers.

And now it has been confirmed, in a letter to parents, that nine have either been treated or are currently being monitored for swine flu.

This figure had risen from four recorded individuals - three children and one adult - reported to parents last Friday.

Further cases have been reported at Darwen Vale and Blackburn’s Pleckgate High, and Earby Springfield Primary, and several cases have been recorded in Hyndburn.

Mrs Myers said: “We are aware of four pupils who are either being treated or are being monitored after being in close contact with somone who has been diagnosed as suffering from the symptoms of swine flu.”

But other cases, showing mild effects from the virus, are not being treated by doctors but remain off school while the symptoms clear up.

“We are doing our best to monitor pupil absence due to illness and would ask that parents keep school informed of their child’s symptoms, in particular those linked to the swine flu virus,” adds Mrs Myers.

Parents have been told that they if they wish to send their child to school with a hygienic hand rub or gel then that would be permitted.

Previously the school has directed parents towards the NHS Direct service and advice from the Health Protection Agency so they can monitor their child’s health.

The school is set to begin its summer holidays tomorrow as normal.