Health experts have confirmed a Year 9 girl at Queens' School, in Bushey, has tested positive for swine flu.

A spokesman for West Herts Primary Care Trust has said the school will now close to all pupils, except those who are taking examinations, for at least seven days.

A number of pupils and staff at the Aldenham Road school have also reported flu-like symptoms and are being offered the medicine Tamiflu as a precaution.

The Watford Observer understands a number of pupils have been tested for the virus at the Bushey Health Centre throughout the day.

There is currently only one definite case in the school and it is not known how the pupil contracted the bug.

Experts from the Health Protection Agency, as well as NHS staff, have already visited the school to reassure staff, pupils and parents by providing detailed health advice and information.

Parents will be notified of the closure today, when pupils will be sent home with letters explaining about the closure.

A pupil at St Columba's College, in St Albans, also tested positive for swine flu at the weekend.

However, Dr Jane Halpin, director of public health at NHS West Hertfordshire, sought to reassure parents.

She said: “I would like to reassure local people that closing this school is a precautionary measure and there is no cause for alarm.

"We and our colleagues at the Health Protection Agency are working closely with the school to ensure that those pupils and staff who have been in contact with the child who has swine flu and those displaying flu-like symptoms have access to Tamiflu.

"We will be monitoring this situation closely.

"The best way to prevent the spread of colds and flu include always using a tissue to catch your sneezes, throwing away used tissues where germs can linger and regularly washing your hands."