A COLCHESTER man has become the town’s first victim of swine flu.

He tested positive for the virus after returning from a foreign holiday.

Mike Gogarty, director of public health for NHS North East Essex, said: “I can confirm that a man from Colchester, who recently returned from an affected area, has tested positive for swine flu.

“He has been given antivirals and is responding well to treatment in his home.

“If people are concerned because they have been to a known affected area where person-to-person spread of swine flu has occurred and are also developing influenza-like symptoms they should stay at home, call their GP or contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or via the web at www.nhs.uk “Others who may be at risk are close contacts of definite cases of swine flu,” he said.

“These people will know who they are, as the Health Protection Agency is working hard to identify every close contact of known cases, and will have already contacted them to offer appropriate treatment and advice.”

He said the local NHS has plans in place to tackle swine flu, which it is reviewing regularly in case a pandemic develops.

Dr Gogarty added: “There are simple steps that everyone can take to help prevent catching colds and flu based on good respiratory and hand hygiene.

“Always use a tissue to catch your sneezes, throw away used tissues where germs can linger, and regularly wash your hands.”

The Government is taking steps to begin vaccination against swine flu.

Health Secretary Alan Johnson said it could take up to six months before a vaccine would be available for use, but they are already negotiating to get early supplies for the UK.

He said the UK containment strategy of supplying antivirals to those with the virus and their close contacts, and in certain circumstances closing schools, had delayed the spread.

But he warned: “It’s unlikely we can prevent a more widespread outbreak indefinitely.”

It is not known where the man was on holiday, but swine flu has affected Mexico and parts of the United States.