Swine flu daily update - McGimpsey
Sunday, 17 May 2009Number of cases under investigation in NI:- 1
Number of negative cases to date in NI: - 60
Number of confirmed cases in NI: - 1
(WHO Alert Phase 5 - this means WHO consider a global pandemic to be imminent.)
Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: "Northern Ireland still only has one confirmed case of swine flu and I am pleased to hear that the individual continues to make a good recovery. The Public Health Agency has contacted passengers who travelled on the same flight as this person and as the flight was now more than seven days ago, their advice is that the risk of infection is very low. People should also be reassured that, to date, the majority of swine flu cases had a mild flu which responded well to antivirals.
"Northern Ireland is well prepared for any potential pandemic.Anagreement to secure the production of a pre-pandemic vaccine hasbeen signed. This is an opportunity to secure vaccine supplies for the UK 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.
"In addition, as part of our plans for a pandemic, we also have sleeping contracts in place, which means that if WHO moves to Phase 6 and declare a pandemic we will receive vaccine when it becomes available. This means that everyone in Northern Ireland will have access to two doses of pandemic vaccine, if they need them."
Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Elizabeth Mitchell added: "I would like to emphasise that we have no cases and no concerns about any schools in Northern Ireland and parents, teachers and pupils can be reassured by that. The message to school children and to everyone else, is to follow simple, effective measures such as frequent hand-washing with soap and water and using a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when sneezing, to reduce the spread of flu.
"Anyone who has travelled to Mexico or other affected areas within the last week and develops flu-like illness should stay at home and seek medical advice from a GP. The GP will then contact the Public Health Agency who will ensure that any person who needs further investigation and treatment will be followed up promptly.
"This is a developing situation which we continue to monitor very closely. The arrangements we have in place and are continuing to make, will help us respond well to any emerging situation."
The Northern Ireland Swine Flu helpline 0800 0 514 142, from 8.00am-8.00pm is up and running and provides advice to the public on swine flu. A national Swine Flu Information line is also available on 0800 1 513 513.
Information leaflets are also available at all ports and airports across Northern Ireland providing advice for travellers returning from swine-flu affected areas.
PUBLIC INFORMATION CAMPAIGN
To keep the public informed, a mass public health campaign went live on Thursday 30 April with print, TV and radio adverts.
The current TV ad - Catch it, Bin it, Kill it is also available at: www.nidirect.gov.uk
The adverts warn the public about swine flu and remind people to cover their noses and mouths with tissues when they cough and sneeze and then put their tissue in a bin and wash their hands. The message is simple; Catch it. Bin it. Kill it.
In addition leaflets are currently being sent out to all homes across Northern Ireland and should be arriving through people’s doors. This leaflet includes information about what swine flu is and how it could spread, what UK governments have done to prepare for a wider outbreak of flu, how you can protect yourself against flu and what to do if you have flu symptoms. To read the leaflet and for other useful links please click on:
http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/
http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk
The Northern Ireland helpline is 0800 0 514 142. This freephone helpline is for those who have recently returned from Mexico, the USA or other affected areas and are worried and need more information.
The UK-wide flu information line on 0800 1 513 513 provides regularly updated advice on swine flu. This is a freephone number.
UK PREPAREDNESS
Northern Ireland, along with the rest of the UK has been preparing for a flu pandemic for the last five years and is among the most prepared countries in the world. We have established a stockpile of enough antivirals to treat 50% of the population, which is currently being increased to treat up to 80% of the population. We have also stockpiled facemasks and respirator masks for the use of health and social care staff in the event of a pandemic. These stocks are also being increased.
All Health and Social Care organisations have pandemic flu plans in place and the Department is working closely with the HSC to ensure that these plans can be put into action so that antivirals can be made available to the public very rapidly should we reach that stage.
Officials and Ministers across the UK are also meeting regularly to discuss the developing situation with regard to the outbreak of flu. We also continue to work closely with ROI.
TRAVEL ADVICE
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise against all but essential travel to Mexico. For other countries the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is keeping their advice under constant review. For the latest advice, please visit The Foreign and Commonwealth Office website.
EATING PORK
Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. You can not get swine flu from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe.
KEY WEBSITES
Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
FAQ's
For frequently asked questions, visit nidirect website
Notes to Editors
1. Media enquiries should be directed to the DHSSPS press office on 028 9052 0579, 028 90520636, 02890520575, 02890520074 or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
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