The Department of Health today detected a strain of human swine flu virus resistant to Tamiflu, Hong Kong's third case. It will be reported to the World Health Organisation.

The virus was taken from a 38-year-old male human swine flu patient with no history of taking Tamiflu. Tests showed the sample was sensitive to another anti-flu drug Relenza.

The patient developed flu-like symptoms July 26 and tested positive for human swine flu July 30. His wife, son, and two younger brothers were also confirmed to have the virus at end of July. They all had mild symptoms and have recovered.

Schools close

The department today advised Caritas Lok Jun School in Sha Tin and CCC Kei Chun Kindergarten in Sham Shui Po to suspend classes for a week due to flu infections.

Ten Caritas Lok Jun School students aged six to 18 have come down with a fever, cough and sore throat since September 4 but did not require hospitalisation. One student was confirmed to have been infected with human swine flu.

Fourteen CCC Kei Chun Kindergarten students aged three to six, and two staff, have come down with a fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat since September 3. Two were admitted to hospital and discharged after treatment. Four students and one staff member were confirmed to have human swine flu.

The department has visited the schools and advised staff on infection control measures. The schools are under medical surveillance.