An Epsom schoolboy is thought to have become the latest victim of swine flu, bringing the total number of Surrey victims to 18.

Surrey NHS confirmed that a child was one of the three people confirmed with swine flu at the weekend but would not confirm that the child is from the Epsom area.

The numbers suffering from the disease in the south east have grown to 189, bringing the UK total to 2,773.

Last week the World Health Organisation, WHO, announced that its pandemic flu alert level rose from five to six, the highest level.

It means the virus is widespread in two or more regions of the world. The declaration follows spread of the virus in Australia, as well as North and South America.

Surrey NHS says that the situation in Surrey remains stable, with only a small number of cases confirmed in the county. All the cases have been relatively mild and have responded well to anti-virals.

Dr Ruth Milton, Surrey's Director of Public Health, said: "The shift from WHO level 5 to 6 reflects an increase in the number of cases of swine flu across the world but in Surrey we still have a small number of cases.

"The NHS in Surrey is continuing to refine and update its plans in case the situation changes.

"At the moment it's very much business as usual and I'd encourage everyone to go about their daily life as usual but also to think about what we can all do to keep the virus in check and reduce its chances to spread.

"There's no change to how do this - the most important thing you can do is wash your hands well and "Catch it. Bin it. Kill it." i.e. cover your nose and mouth if you sneeze or cough and use a disposable tissue.

"Good hygiene is key, whether you're at work, out with friends or travelling on public transport.

"If anyone wants more information about the virus, I'd encourage them to call the swine flu information line on 0800 1 513 513.

"Anyone with flu-like symptoms is advised to stay at home and contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or phone their GP."

• See our swine flu section for the latest updates