NHS North West has issued a statement saying that it is now "highly unlikely" a patient in the region suspected of suffering swine flu actually has the killer disease.

The patient, a woman from Canada, was being tested for the illness in what would be the first case of the deadly virus in the UK.

The woman, who has not been named, is being looked after at an undisclosed hospital in Manchester.

She is believed to have been visiting friends in Sale when she fell ill.

It is not known if she had recently visited Mexico, where 149 people have died from flu.

An NHS North West statement released this evening said: "Following further investigations, it is now highly unlikely that the patient has swine flu. Tests are being carried out as a precaution. "However it is thought that the patient has had a common viral infection.

"Anyone who has recently traveled to the affected areas and is experiencing influenza like illness should stay at home to limit contact with others, and seek medical advice from a local health professional or by contacting NHS Direct."

The Government is working with primary health care trusts to ensure arrangements for the distribution of anti-virals were in place should this become necessary.