Updated: SWINE flu has hit North Yorkshire for the first time, health officials have confirmed.

The virus was found to have infected a woman from the Hambleton area of North Yorkshire who had recently returned from a trip aboard.

The woman, who has not been named, is currently recovering at home and is being treated with anti-viral drugs. Her life is not believed to be in danger and she is said to be responding well to treatment.

Another person who lives with the woman is looking after her and has also been given anti-viral drugs. No more details about them have been released.

Dr Peter Brambleby, Director of Public Health at NHS North Yorkshire and York, said: “An adult female returning from travel abroad has been tested and found to have the virus. She and a household contact are being treated at home with antiviral drugs and are responding to treatment.

“This development does not change our advice. If we identify any further cases of swine flu in our area, antiviral drugs will be made available to the individual and anyone they are in close contact with (e.g. other members of their immediate household) in accordance with current national guidance.

“If someone has flu-like symptoms they should stay at home and contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or phone their GP. This way they can get advice and any necessary assessment and treatment without coming into contact with the wider public.”

A spokesman for North Yorkshire and York PCT would not say which country the woman had returned from because of the risk of identifying her. He said the test results were confirmed by the Health Protection Agency on Saturday. The incubation period for swine flu is between five and seven days so people usually show symptoms a week after exposure to the bug, although he did not know how long the woman had been suffering from influenza.

The North Yorkshire case brings the number of people who have been infected with swine flu in the UK to 244 although none have died. Worldwide, 103 people are known to have died from the virus, 89 of those in Mexico. For up-to-date information, contact the swine flu information line on 0800 1513 513.