THERE have been 16 suspected cases of swine flu in Bolton — but the people who had fallen ill tested negative for the condition.

However health bosses are continuing to warn that there is still a real threat of a pandemic.

Jan Hutchinson, director of public health at NHS Bolton, said: “It doesn’t appear to be having the terrifying consequences we had feared in terms of a flu pandemic.

“However it might change, viruses can be unpredictable and it might mutate.

“Our concern is that we will get something in the autumn or winter, when we have seasonal flu, which will obviously put a great strain on health services, and in fact all services.”

There have been six actual cases of swine flu in the North West and 184 across the UK as a whole.

The World Health Organisation is reporting that there are more than 12,500 cases worldwide.

The primary care trust is working hard to prepare for a large outbreak and is co-ordinating with Bolton Council.

Plans include looking at setting up a local helpline, gathering anti-viral medication and setting up 24 hour centres to distribute medication.

NHS Bolton has reiterated that local people can help to prevent the spread of infection by getting into good hygiene habits, with the main message to Catch It, Kill It, Bin It after coughs and sneezes.

Every home in Bolton should have received a leaflet on swine flu, which people should read and keep.

Anyone who has not had a copy can request one by contacting 0800 1514 513 or download one from nhs.uk.