There are now 11 confirmed cases of swine flu in the borough after the pandemic hit three primary schools in Croydon.

Five pupils at Woodcote Primary School have been diagnosed with the illness and there has been one confirmed case at Broadmead Primary School.

There has been another confirmed case of swine flu at Parish Church Junior School in Warrington Road, Croydon. The Health Protection Agency confirmed one child from the school had been infected with the virus and parents were told by letter when they picked up their children at the end of the school day.

All the schools remain open.

The other four cases are members of the public.

A spokesman for NHS Croydon said: “We do not have details on who the other four cases might be.

“We advise people to follow hygiene advice on the Catch it, Bin it, Kill it campaign.

“If folk are showing signs of flu-like symptoms they should stay at home, phone their GP or NHS Direct and they will advise them what to do.

“If swine flu is diagnosed, anti-virals will be prescribed. People will then need to recover at home for a couple of days.”

Symptoms of swine flu include headache, high temperature and sore throat.

A letter to parents from Woodcote Primary School read: “We continue to take advice from the Health Protection Agency.

“As there have been a significant number of children in the school with flu-like symptoms, it is likely transmission has already occurred, therefore there would be no added benefit from closing the school at this point to lessen the spread.

“Please be reassured that most children who contract swine flu will have a mild illness similar to normal seasonal flu and will recover at home without needing treatment.

“You have already been advised that it is important that your child stays at home if they have flu-like symptoms.

“If your child has already had symptoms of flu but is now well, there is no need to take any action for you and your family.

For further information on swine flu go to nhs direct.nhs.uk