An action plan to combat Mexican swine flu is in place in Elmbridge, according to the borough’s NHS.

More than 100 people are believed to have died in Mexico from the disease, and cases have now been confirmed in the United States, Canada and Spain.

A case was confirmed in Scotland two days ago as the UN warned Britain to prepare for a potential pandemic.

NHS Surrey is urging residents to cover their mouths after coughing or sneezing, to carefully dispose of dirty tissues, and make sure they keep their hands clean.

If swine virus starts travelling between people, it could cause an influenza pandemic but there gave been no cases in the county so far.

Ruth Milton, director of public health at NHS Surrey said: "We would like to reassure Surrey residents that no cases of swine influenza have been identified in the UK and there is currently a very low level of flu activity in the county.

"Following reported cases in the US and Mexico we remain vigilant and the Health Protection Agency is monitoring the situation closely."

A statement on the Surrey NHS website said: "The impact of a pandemic caused by such a virus is difficult to predict.

"It depends on virulence of the virus, existing immunity among people, cross protection by antibodies acquired from seasonal influenza infection and host factors."

A spokesman for Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals said: "The Department of Health have antiviral drugs which seem to be effective so that’s how patients will be treated should they catch this kind of flu.

"There are very stringent plans in place across the county to manage this if it turns into a pandemic."

If you have recently travelled from the affected areas and are suffering flu-like symptoms, you are advised to stay at home, limit contact with others and seek medical advice immediately.

You can also contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.