A STUDENT teacher working at Torquay Girls' Grammar school has contracted swine flu.

The student, from Exeter University, had been teaching outdoor activities at the school before being taken ill on Monday.

Torbay Care Trust said the risk to pupils is 'very low' so no students or staff have been given anti-viral medication and the school will not close.

But the trust has written to all parents of students at the school, informing them of the situation and advising them to be vigilant for symptoms.

The infected teacher left the school early on Monday and has not returned since.

A statement on the school website said the teacher had 'minimal contact with Classes 8J and 10Y'.

It added: "Following consultation with the Health Protection Agency there is no need for preventative antiviral medication (Tamiflu) to be issued to pupils in these classes or any other pupils in this school."

A spokesman from Torbay Care Trust confirmed the outbreak saying: "We can confirm that an Exeter University student, working on placement within Torquay Girls' Grammar School, has been confirmed as having the swine flu virus.

"The student was involved in outdoor teaching activities at the school before she began feeling ill on Monday. She left the school early that day and has not returned since.

"Due to the nature of the contact with other students the risk to others is considered very low. At this time there are no other suspected cases within the school.

"The school, the care trust and the Health Protection Agency were alerted to this case yesterday afternoon and have worked closely together to ensure the continued health of all students and staff, without unnecessarily impacting the school's day to day business."

Torbay Care Trust said that advice from the Health Protection Agency, based on discussions with the infected teacher, was that there is no need to close the school or provide anti-viral treatment at this stage.

The spokesman added: "It is important to remind people that, in almost all cases, those who have contracted swine flu have experienced only mild symptoms and made a full recovery.

"Torbay is well prepared to handle this situation and we will of course continue to closely monitor the situation."

On Thursday 10 students from Exeter University were confirmed to have tested positive for swine flu.

The Health Protection Agency said the students were mildly affected by the virus and were receiving appropriate medical care.

Any pupils who show any signs of flu like symptoms with a temperature, aches and pains and a cough should ring NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or your GP surgery.