Health bosses are urging people not to panic following the first case of swine flu to be confirmed in Sussex.

Hospitals, GP surgeries, schools, councils and businesses across the county have been put on high alert to try and stop the number of incidents spreading.

Anyone who has recently travelled to affected countries like Mexico or the US and are are showing signs of flu are being asked to stay at home and contact their GP immediately.

The new case involves a man from Brighton and Hove who had recently returned from a visit to America.

His symptoms have been mild and he is now recovering well at home.

The city's director of public health, Tom Scanlon said: “ We are working closely with the Health Protection Agency.

“A detailed risk assessment will be held and we will advise whether any individuals need to be investigated or given antiviral treatment as a result of contact with someone who is confirmed as having swine flu.”

The progress of the virus is being closely monitored by the Sussex Resilience Forum, which is responsible for reviewing contingency plans to make sure everything is in place now the disease has reached the county.

The forum is made up of councils, emergency services, health organisations, the Environment Agency and representatives from voluntary groups, utility companies and the transport sector.

Sussex has experienced a series of false alarms in recent weeks.

A patient walked into Quayside Medical Practice in Newhaven showing signs of flu after a recent visit to Mexico.

The surgery had to be shut as a precaution while staff gave it a thorough clean.

However the woman was later cleared of having the infection.

Chef Gabriel Gutierez, who works at the University of Sussex, tested negative after falling ill following a trip to his home country of Mexico.

A Department of Health spokesman said: “The localised cases of swine flu have so far been mild and our strategy of containing the spread with antivirals appears to have been effective in reducing symptoms and preventing further spread of infection.

“But we must not be complacent and it is right to prepare for the possibility of a global pandemic.

“However people do not need to panic as we are doing everything possible to contain the spread.

“We have been preparing for such an outbreak over the last few years.

“The UK’s arrangements are continuing to ensure that we are well-placed to deal with this new infection.

People can reduce the risk of catching or spreading swine flu by maintaining good basic hygiene, such as always covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully and regularly washing their hands.

Anyone with concerns can call the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1513513. or visit www.nhs.uk.

Those experiencing flu like symptoms should stay at home and call their GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

Four new cases of swine flu were confirmed yesterday, bringing the current total number of UK cases to 137.