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Schools advised as flu total rises
Legal advice on dealing with swine flu has been issued to private schools across the country as it was confirmed that another person has the virus.
The Department of Health said an adult in the South East of England has been diagnosed, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the UK to 28.
Earlier the Independent Schools Council issued guidance to more than 1,200 fee-paying schools, suggesting they consider setting up "quarantine rooms" for pupils suspected of having the virus.
It comes after five schools, including three private schools, closed because pupils fell ill with the H1N1 virus.
A Department of Health spokesman said the latest case was "associated with travel to Mexico". He added: "It is right that we are preparing for the possibility of a global pandemic. The UK's arrangements are continuing to ensure that we are well-placed to deal with this new infection."
Schools hit by swine flu were rescheduling GCSEs and A-levels or asking for special consideration for pupils as the summer exam season begins.
John Dunford, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said swine flu was a "major worry" to secondaries, with four being shut due to the virus.
Exam regulator Ofqual said that it is due to hold a meeting on Thursday to discuss the situation. On Friday it said it was drawing up contingency plans in the event of disruption. It is understood that this could mean pupils sitting exams elsewhere, or, if they are sick with swine flu, be awarded a grade based on papers or coursework they have completed.
Meanwhile, World Health Organisation spokesman Dick Thompson said that the agency might raise its pandemic level from five to its highest alert, level six.
And Health Secretary Alan Johnson said earlier this week that he expected a second, more serious, wave of cases later this year.