A MAN from Brentwood has been diagnosed with swine flu.

Health officials have said the man, described as being aged in his 40s, is convalescing at his home in Brentwood, and is responding well to anti-viral medication.

The man is thought to have contracted the virus after travelling to America.

According to statistics from the Health Protection Agency, there are now 28 confirmed cases of swine flu in the east of England, bringing the total number of UK infections up to 339.

Dr Katherine Gronqvist, director of public health at NHS South West Essex, said doctors were monitoring the situation closely.

She said: “I can confirm a man in his 40s, who lives in the Brentwood area, has tested positive for swine flu.

“His symptoms are mild and he is responding well to anti-virals at home.

“We have in place robust plans to tackle swine flu and keep them under regular review.”

This is the sixth swine flu case to hit south Essex.

Joe Bland, 12, who attends Castle View School on Canvey, was the first person to go down with the virus after he returned from a holiday in Mexico a month ago.

It was then confirmed a second Year 8 pupil from the same school had tested positive on May 13.

A woman in her 70s from Basildon was also diagnosed as having the condition, along with a couple from Canvey.

Symptoms for swine flu are similar to those for regular flu and include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing and sore throat.

Some people have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea.

For medical advice, call NHS Direct on 0845 4647, or the national swine flu information line, on 0800 1513513.