Five new cases have been confirmed today. Two of these cases are travel-related and three are contacts of previously confirmed cases. All of these people are at home and recovering well.
Number of cases under investigation in Northern Ireland - 23
Total number of confirmed cases in Northern Ireland – 43
Please Note: Following the announcement made by the Minister yesterday that the UK including Northern Ireland is moving to a treatment phase for dealing with swine flu. Routine swabbing and laboratory investigation of those presenting with flu-like symptoms has ceased. Information on flu activity in Northern Ireland will be monitored through primary care and hospital surveillance systems and will be included in regular flu bulletins. These will build on well established arrangements used each winter for seasonal flu surveillance. Swine flu cases will be included in routine surveillance on all infectious diseases reported to the Health Protection Agency.
Notes to Editors:
- The UK has moved to a treatment phase for dealing with swine flu. Antivirals will be used for all cases that have been clinically diagnosed as having contracted the swine flu virus. Contacts of confirmed cases will no longer be traced and offered antivirals. In addition, the routine testing of suspected cases will be discontinued.
- The Northern Ireland swine flu helpline number 0800 0514 142 is a freephone helpline for those who want more information about swine flu.
- The UK-wide flu information line on 0800 1 513 513 provides regularly updated advice on swine flu. This is also a freephone number.
- Further information about swine flu can be found on the DHSSPS website or nidirect
- Media enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0579. Out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
