A DORSET school has been closed after a pupil was discovered to have swine flu.

A year four boy at Verwood CE First School has tested positive for the virus, prompting officials to shut the school on Monday, June 22 until Tuesday, June 30.

Health chiefs say the boy has fully recovered.

In a statement on the school’s website, parents were told: “The chances of infection are limited, however we feel if there is a possible risk that more of our children could become infected then this is a risk we are not prepared to take.

“We appreciate all the organisational difficulties that this will bring to you over the week and we thank you for your understanding at this time.”

NHS Dorset said in a statement: “NHS Dorset is working with the Health Protection Agency and other partners after it was confirmed that a pupil at Verwood Church of England First School had tested positive for swine flu. The child is now fully recovered.

“Following this occurrence, the school has taken the decision to close for a week from the end of school today. Pupils in the child’s year class have been treated with anti-viral medication as a precaution.

“Parents of pupils attending the school have been notified of the situation and advice is being provided regarding the symptoms of swine flu.”

The news came days after the first confirmed cases of swine flu were confirmed in Dorset.

Holiday-maker Marie Duchan and seven-year-old daughter Tia were taken ill while staying at a holiday park in Weymouth, although she believes she may have picked up the virus in Birmingham.

For full story see Tuesday's Daily Echo.