A CLUSTER of swine flu cases has hit Plymouth's Orange call centre.

Nine employees at the Plympton businesses have been told to stay at home after contracting the virus, a company spokesman said.

Orange, one of the city's biggest employers with about 1,500 staff, is the latest local organisations to confirm its staff have been affected by the virus.

Others have included several city schools, Langage Power Station and Devonport Dockyard.

Call centre staff rang The Herald to voice concerns the infection could spread, as ill people were continuing to work. One woman said: "The air-conditioning is circulating it and putting people at risk."

An Orange spokesman said: "Employees who are affected are at home and being treated by their local health authorities.

"Orange is taking regular advice from the Health Protection Agency and ensuring managers and employees are updated on treatment and testing to help ensure the safety of our employees."

The news came as regional health chiefs yesterday held a swine flu seminar in Plymouth to reinforce public health advice.

Addressing local media, Dr Julia Verne, deputy regional director of public health, said: "The key message is that, thank goodness, for most people this virus is a mild infection: milder than seasonal flu."

She said the National Flu Pandemic Service was expected to be up and running by the end of this week to ease pressure on GPs and speed distribution of antiviral drugs. People who think they have flu will be able to contact the service by website or phone for diagnosis.

Adding that 30 million doses of the vaccine were due to made available by the end of the year, Dr Verne said: "The NHS nationally and in the region has been planning for this for years.

"Right across the NHS – primary care trusts, their partners in local authorities, voluntary sectors and hospitals – people are pulling out all the stops."

The latest estimate is that there were 55,000 new cases of swine flu in England last week. So far, 30 people have died nationally after contracting the virus.

People worried about symptoms can call the 0800 1513513 information line, NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or phone their GP if they still have concerns.

NHS Plymouth has produced a swine flu advice video featuring local health staff.