The number of new cases of swine flu in Brighton and Hove has almost doubled in a week.

About 200 people in the city were given tamiflu medication over a seven day period compared to just over 100 the week before.

Other parts of Sussex showed smaller increases, bringing the total number of new cases to almost 700.

Ten people are currently being treated for swine flu in the county's hospitals.

The rate of infection in Brighton and Hove is around 84 per 100,000 of the population, more than double the regional average of 41.2.

Rates for East Sussex Downs and Weald are 44.4,m while in Hastings and Rother it stands at 41.7 and West Sussex at 37.5.

Health bosses said the increase in cases showed the need for people to be vigilant.

West Sussex flu director Peter Hayward said: “We have seen a recent rise in people accessing treatment for suspected swine flu, especially in the Brighton and Hove area.

“This is not reason for concern, but is in line with the situation we are experiencing across the country.

“Urban areas nationwide have seen an increase, in particular, in the number of people with flu-like symptoms.

“This highlights the potential of any virus to spread between people at home, in schools and in workplaces, and stresses the need for us all to do what we can to stop the spread of infection.

“We can all take simple steps to look after ourselves, such as maintaining good hygiene, always covering our nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, disposing of dirty tissues promptly, and carefully and regularly washing our hands.”