By Kevin Norquay of NZPA

Wellington, April 28 NZPA - Rangitoto College principal David Hodge says he is shocked by news that 11 from the school have tested positive to swine flu.

News of the positive tests was made public tonight by Health Minister Tony Ryall after Melbourne tests confirmed it.

That probably meant the whole group had contracted the virus, Director of Public Health Mark Jacobs told reporters.

Mr Hodge said the 10 students and a teacher, who returned from a trip to Mexico on Saturday, had been so well that he had hoped they did not have swine flu.

"I have to say I was shocked, even though it was a possibility," he told NZPA.

They had responded so well to Tamiflu, an anti-viral medication that slows the spread of the virus, he had felt they were not dealing with the "dreaded epidemic".

His shock was tempered with relief that the students were not ill, and "huge pride" in the swift actions of teachers, who had taken proper care of the group.

That had meant the flu had been contained, and never reached the broader community.

"I've got huge pride in that they're such an intelligent and well-educated group, that it was well controlled."

He had not talked to those affected tonight, but had been assured by the Health Ministry that a doctor would talk to them, and offer reassurance.

He did not consider the news would alarm others at the school.

"Nothing has changed, it's business as usual, it's been contained, it hasn't come into the school," he said.

"It's just something that's happened and you deal with it."

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