• ‘A small number’ of ball boys and girls absent • Organisers say no players have been affected Fears over a possible swine flu outbreak at Wimbledon were raised today after a number of ball boys and girls were asked to stay at home. The All England Club said three or four ball boys and girls suffering a “flu-like illness” were asked to stay away from the tournament. But having “consulted closely” with the Health Protection Agency, the club moved to reassure people that the move was a precaution and the championships would continue as normal. Wimbledon spokesman Johnny Perkins said: “This is a precautionary measure. We know the climate we are operating in.” He said those affected were not being tested for swine flu and had not been swabbed. But he added the virus was in communities and schools and “it would be strange” if Wimbledon authorities did not take a pro-active approach. There are no reports of any players being affected by flu-like symptoms. Nor has there been any change this year to the “on court towel handling routine”, when ball boys and girls hand the towels to players in between points.

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Wimbledon hit by swine flu concerns

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