Health Minister sets up swine flu helpline for Northern Ireland

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has today confirmed he is setting up a local helpline for anyone concerned about swine flu.

The Northern Ireland swine flu helpline number is 0800 0514 142 and is expected to be available from tomorrow. It is a freephone number and any caller will be put through to someone who will be able to provide advice and guidance for anyone displaying flu-like symptoms.

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: “In Northern Ireland today I have set up a local swine flu helpline for anyone who has recently returned from Mexico or an affected area and has concerns about their health. I anticipate that this will go live from tomorrow.

“I have also ensured that leaflets and posters providing guidance to travellers are available from all our ports, airports and other transport hubs.

“In the next few days, every household in the country will receive a leaflet providing advice about the basic steps people can take to avoid infection and this advice can also be found on government websites."

A nationwide media campaign covering television, radio and newspapers is expected to go live from tomorrow.

The Minister continued: “We continue to maintain the strictest surveillance and monitoring here in Northern Ireland. We have no cases confirmed here, although there are two cases currently under investigation.

“Northern Ireland has robust plans in place for dealing with situations like 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.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. Further information on swine flu can be found on the DHSSPS website and nidirect website

2. A/H1N1 has now been confirmed in the UK. There are five confirmed cases in total. All cases being investigated so far are people who have travelled from Mexico.

3. In Northern Ireland there have been 29 enquiries to the likes of GPs and A&E units: 13 people have been tested, 11 of which were negative and we are currently awaiting the results of two tests. There are no confirmed cases in Northern Ireland.

4. Internationally there are confirmed cases in Mexico, USA, Canada, Israel, New Zealand and Spain. Costa Rica and Germany have now also confirmed. There are a number of cases under investigation worldwide.

5. The WHO alert phase has remained at level 4 indicating evidence of sustained human to human transmission.

6. Press enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 90520575. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.