A number of ball kids have been told to stay away from Wimbledon due to fears over an outbreak of swine flu.

Tournament officials said three or four ball boys and girls were suffering "flu-like illness". They have now been told to stay at home.

However, the All England Club say the move just a precaution which was taken after they liaised "closely" with the Health Protection Agency.

Wimbledon spokesman Johnny Perkins said: "This is a precautionary measure. We know the climate we are operating in."

He said those involved were not being tested for swine flu and that no players had reported any such symptoms.

However, defending champion Venus Williams revealed after her last-16 win that she had received a letter regarding the issue from club officials.

A statement from All England Club chief executive Ian Ritchie added: "A small number of our Championships' personnel have reported a flu-like illness and consequently been asked to stay at home.

"Having consulted closely with the Health Protection Agency, we have been reassured that since the incidence is entirely in line with the wider London community, there is no particular extra risk to all those connected with the event, be they players, media, staff or spectators, and we are able to continue with the championships as normal."