Second Case Of Swine Flu Confirmed In The North

Northern Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said on Tuesday that a further case of 'swine flu' has been confirmed in the North.

The second case has been confirmed in a young male who was recently in contact with a case in England.  He has been given anti-viral treatment and is at home and is said to be recovering well.  

The Public Health Agency has identified all close contacts, who have also received antiviral treatment as a precautionary measure and to help reduce the risk of transmission.

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said, "It is not surprising that we have seen a further case of swine flu and I would again urge people not be alarmed - this was to be expected. I am pleased to hear that the individual is recovering well at home.  

"The public can be reassured that we have been preparing for a situation like this for some years and are well prepared for any potential pandemic.  Our strategy to use antivirals to slow the spread of the virus also appears to be effective, as well as reducing symptoms.  But we can not be complacent.  We will continue to vigilant to ensure we are well-placed to deal with any emerging situation."

The North has significant stockpiles of antivirals, enough to treat 50% of the population, which is currently being increased to treat 80% of the population.

An agreement to secure the production of a pre-pandemic vaccine has also been signed. This is an opportunity to secure vaccine supplies for Great Britain in advance of a pandemic wave. These arrangements provide the opportunity by December this year to have enough pre-pandemic vaccine to protect at least half of the population from swine flu.

As part of plans for a pandemic, the Department also has sleeping contracts in place, which means that if the World Health Organization (WHO) moves to 'Phase 6' (which it suggested it would do on Tuesday evening) and declare a pandemic the North will receive vaccine when it becomes available. This means that everyone in the North will have access to two doses of pandemic vaccine, if they need them.

Dr Elizabeth Mitchell, the North's Acting Chief Medical Officer added, "I would again ask everyone to play their part to protect and prepare themselves and their families.

Simple, effective measures can help reduce the spread of flu - always use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when sneezing, dispose of the tissue and then wash your hands with soap and water or sanitising gel.  The message is simple, 'Catch It, Bin It, Kill It.'"

Three More Cases Confirmed In The South

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Health and Children confirmed a further three cases of 'swine flu' on Tuesday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Ireland to seven.

Two of the patients, an adult male and child are from the western region of the country while the other patient is a female from the Eastern region.

All the patients had recently returned from New York and are currently being treated at home and "all necessary public health protection measures are being taken".

Dr. Holohan said, "As I have being saying since the start, we have expected further cases so this does not come as a surprise. Both the Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive have planned for this eventually and continue preparations in anticipation of further cases."