Ministerial statement to assembly on swine flu

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey today updated the NI Assembly on the current swine influenza situation.

Speaking in the Assembly, the Minister said: "Mr Speaker, I wish to make a statement to the Assembly on the swine influenza virus which has been identified in seven districts in Mexico, in Canada and in California, Texas, Kansas and New York in the United States. Possible cases are being investigated in other parts of the world, including the UK. This outbreak, involving the swine influenza virus A H1N1 is a matter of considerable concern for public health authorities worldwide.

"In Northern Ireland my officials have been working on the issue throughout the weekend and further work is ongoing, particularly in regard to surveillance, advice to the health sector and communication with the general public.

"The reported events in North America are unusual and so warrant further investigation and vigilance on the part of other countries. Investigation and testing is ongoing to determine the severity of the disease and the ease with which it can spread.

"These investigations are currently being undertaken by Mexican and US authorities, with the support of the World Health Organisation. There has, at this stage however, been no change to the World Health Organisation Pandemic Alert level, which remains at level 3. It is not therefore the case that a pandemic flu has been declared.

"Given the concern about this development, my Department and the Public Health Agency are monitoring this situation extremely closely in order to assess the implications, if any, for public health in Northern Ireland. There is very close liaison with the UK Health Protection Agency and UK Government Departments, particularly Cabinet Office and the Department of Health. Officials are also working closely with the Department of Health and Children in the Republic of Ireland.

"I was fully briefed on this situation over the weekend by the Chief Medical Officer and senior officials from the Public Health Agency. I also participated in a meeting with key health professionals.

"Northern Ireland has robust plans in place for dealing with situations such as this. We have worked and are working extremely closely with the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland to ensure we are prepared and to ensure that the public is protected to the maximum level possible.

"I can report that there is currently a very low level of flu activity in Northern Ireland. Systems are in place though to ensure early identification of the new strain if it arrives in Northern Ireland. At present, there are no confirmed cases of swine flu in the UK, but some travellers recently returned from Mexico are under assessment in Scotland.

"Testing has shown that the human swine influenza can be treated with antiviral drugs, which I am pleased to say that we have already stockpiled in Northern Ireland.

"I cannot emphasise enough though the simple things that the public can do which have the potential to be extremely effective in these circumstances. Good hygiene, in particular, especially frequent hand-washing is very effective in combating infection of this kind. This is particularly important for anyone with flu symptoms. People can also protect themselves and their families by using tissues to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

"Although this is a variant of swine influenza, I want to state strongly that there is absolutely no risk from eating pork or pork products. Properly handled pork and cooked pork and pork products are safe, because the virus is not transmitted through food.

"There are no current travel restrictions on those who are planning to visit the affected areas of Mexico or the United States. However, anyone who has travelled to Mexico or other affected areas within the last week and develops flu-like illness should stay at home to limit contact with others and should seek medical advice from a GP.

"I will receive daily updates on this situation as it develops and will report back to the Assembly if there is any significant change in the situation as presently described.

"Mr Speaker, members can be assured that Northern Ireland’s capability to deal with these kinds of situations is something in which I have invested considerable resources in anticipation of this kind of risk. I am confident that our robust planning will serve to provide considerable reassurance and the greatest possible protection to the population of Northern Ireland in the coming days and weeks.

Thank you."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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