Swine flu has broken out at six Walsall schools, with at least six children struck down with the virus.

Health chiefs today refused to name schools involved until all parents were sent letters. No schools closed today after last week’s decision by the Government that affected schools should not shut.

Dr Sam Ramaiah, Walsall director of public protection, would not say if those hit were teachers or pupils but said cases were being diagnosed “by the hour”.

Across the borough there are nine cases of swine flu.

Dr Ramaiah said: “There are six schools affected and each has at least one case of swine flu. Currently we are setting up systems to triage and treat symptomatic students, their families and close contacts. One of these was set up last week and another system was put in place in place today.

“We continue to work very closely with Walsall Children’s Services, our health partners, local authority, education and West Midlands Constabulary to prepare ourselves for the inevitable increase in cases.”

Denise McLellan, NHS Walsall chief executive, said: “We would like reassure Walsall residents that everything that needs to be done to prepare us to tackle high levels of swine flu in the borough is being done right now. I am confident that we have robust plans in place to respond to increasing numbers of cases in the borough.” Anyone suspecting swine flu should stay at home, ring NHS Direct on 0845 4647, their GP or the National Swine Flu Helpline on 0800 1513513.