The first outbreak of swine flu in Norfolk has been confirmed today as the national toll reached nearly 430 cases. Health officials in the county said the case had been 'well contained' after the patient in west Norfolk acted quickly when they suspected they had caught the H1N1 influenza.

The first outbreak of swine flu in Norfolk has been confirmed today as the national toll reached nearly 430 cases.

Health officials in the county said the case had been 'well contained' after the patient in west Norfolk acted quickly when they suspected they had caught the H1N1 influenza.

Norfolk NHS, which is dealing with the outbreak, would not give out any more details of the patient who is being treated at home.

Yesterday, 24 new cases of swine flu were confirmed in the UK, taking the total to 428 with Scotland the worst effected area.

Dr John Battersby, NHS Norfolk's director of public health, said: 'A patient living in the west of the county has been tested and found to have the H1N1 swine flu virus. 'They are being treated at home with antiviral drugs and is responding to treatment.'

The patient was praised for acting 'extremely responsibly', monitoring their health and phoning the NHS instead of visiting a surgery and staying away from other people. Anyone that had been in close contact with them was being treated with antivirals, although none had shown symptoms, an NHS spokesman said.

Health bosses said they are expecting there to be more cases, not necessarily linked to this outbreak.

Dr Battersby said: 'We have known there would come a time when we saw the first case within the county and our health teams are well prepared. This is not about panic, it's about sensible preparation.'

t Anyone concerned that they may be displaying swine flu symptoms are advised to stay at home and contact their GP by phone or seek advice from NHS Direct (0845 4647).

People should not go into their GP surgery or local Accident and Emergency department, unless advised to do so, because they might spread the illness to others.

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal flu infection, a feverish illness accompanied by one or more of the following: headache; coughing; sore throat; muscle aches; fatigue; shortness of breath; lack of appetite. Some people with swine flu have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea.

Should you develop symptoms you should ensure that you: avoid contact with other people as much as possible; stay at home and keep away from work, school or crowds as much as possible; rest and take plenty of fluids.