The third case has been confirmed in an adult male who has recently returned from New York, via London. He has been given anti-viral treatment and is at home and 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.
As with previous cases, the Public Health Agency is also contacting passengers who were sitting close to this person on the 11.00am BMI flight (BD84) from London Heathrow to Belfast City Airport on Tuesday 2 June 2009. This is a standard precautionary measure in line with current national guidance. The risk of transmission to other passengers on the flight is low.
Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: “As with our previous cases, I hope that this man makes a full recovery as soon as possible.
“I would again urge the people of Northern Ireland not to be alarmed. Given the increasing number of cases worldwide, we can probably expect to see more here. We are well prepared to deal with the emerging situation and will ensure we maintain a high state of readiness for any potential pandemic. We are continually monitoring the situation and will provide the public with the information and advice they need.”
Northern Ireland 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 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.
As part of plans for a pandemic, the Department also has sleeping contracts in place, which means that if WHO moves to Phase 6 and declares a pandemic, it 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.
Dr Elizabeth Mitchell, Northern Ireland’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.
The Northern Ireland Swine Flu helpline (0800 0514 142, from Monday – Friday 9am-6pm) provides advice to the public on swine flu. A national Swine Flu Information line is also available on 0800 1 513 513.
Notes to Editors:
- The Health Protection Agency, for the international flight, will contact selected passengers who sat close to the case on the flight to offer advice and to provide any follow up if needed.
- The Northern Ireland swine flu helpline number has also been established 0800 0514 142. This is a freephone helpline for those who want more information on swine flu. 3. The UK-wide flu information line on 0800 1 513 513 provides regularly updated advice on swine flu. This is a freephone number.
- A public information campaign is currently underway and includes television, radio and print adverts. The adverts provide information on swine flu and remind people to cover their noses and mouths with tissues when they cough and sneeze and then throw the tissue away and wash their hands. The message is simple: Catch it. Bin it. Kill it.
- Posters and information leaflets have been provided to all ports and airports across Northern Ireland providing advice for travellers returning from swine-flu affected areas.
- Press enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0575. Out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
