A further seven people who had been in contact with the infected pair are displaying mild symptoms and are undergoing tests. Ms Sturgeon said: “I am pleased to say both patients are recovering well. In addition, there are currently a further seven people among the 22 who have been in contact with the two infected people, who have now developed mild symptoms and are being appropriately cared for.”

WHO raises pandemic alert level

Also this evening the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the level of its influenza pandemic alert from phase three to phase four. (There is a total of six alert levels; phase six is the highest.)

The change indicates that the likelihood of a pandemic has increased and that there has been repeated human-to-human transmission, but it does not mean that a pandemic is inevitable.

Commons statement

Speaking earlier in the House of Commons this afternoon, Health Secretary Alan Johnson said that Britain is well prepared for any spread of the Mexican swine virus into the country.

He said that 25 possible cases of infection have been reported in the UK so far. Eight of these proved to be negative, while three are undergoing specialist tests in isolation wards in hospital. The remaining 14 suspected cases are undergoing initial investigation and the people involved are sufficiently well to be managed in the community.

Mr Johnson said that “It is too early to say whether the cases in Mexico and the US will lead to a pandemic. Scientists do not yet understand the extent to which cases in Mexico and the US are linked and are not yet able to make a complete assessment of the health implications of this new virus”.

Key messages

The Health Secretary stressed three key messages: “First, it is important to emphasise that in all cases outside Mexico, the symptoms of this illness are mild and all patients have made a full recovery.

“Second, we can all take simple measures to prevent infection, in particular covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and washing hands regularly. Anyone who develops flu-like symptoms should go home and contact their GP.

“Third, anyone who has recently travelled to the affected areas and is experiencing influenza-like illness should stay at home to limit contact with others and seek medical advice by phone from a local health professional or NHS Direct.”

Hygiene precautions

The advice from the NHS is that preventing the spread of germs is the single most effective way to slow the spread of diseases like pandemic flu. You can protect yourself and your family by ensuring everyone washes their hands regularly with soap and water, and by cleaning surfaces regularly. You can prevent a virus spreading to others by:

• always carrying tissues
• using tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze
• binning the tissues as soon as possible
• washing your hands regularly.

CATCH IT. BIN IT. KILL IT. is a simple way to remember this.

If you have returned from a country affected by swine flu

If you have recently visited one of the countries or areas where human cases of influenza have been identified, it is important for you to monitor your health closely for seven days after your visit to the affected area. There is no need for you to isolate yourself from other people as long as you remain well.

If during this period you develop a feverish illness accompanied by one or more of cough, sore throat, headache and muscle aches, you should contact your GP by phone or seek advice from NHS Direct (0845 4647). You should make sure that you tell those from whom you are seeking advice about your recent travel to an area affected. Depending on your symptoms you may be advised that further investigations may be necessary.

If further investigations are felt to be needed you will be advised on appropriate arrangements for you to be tested. This may include admission to hospital. For most cases however, you will be well enough to remain at home. It is important you avoid contact with other people as much as possible until the results of your tests are back. Your household contacts should also monitor their health and follow the above advice if they get symptoms.

Should you develop symptoms you should follow standard respiratory and hand hygiene and ensure that you:

• avoid contact with other people as much as possible
• cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible
• dispose of dirty tissues promptly and carefully
• maintain good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people
• clean hard surfaces (eg door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product
• make sure your children follow this advice.