WHO Alert Phase 5 - this means WHO consider a global pandemic to be imminent.
Number of cases under investigation in NI 1
Number of negative cases to date in NI 55
Number of confirmed cases in NI 0
Statement from the Minister for Health, Michael McGimpsey:
"So far we have had no confirmed cases of swine flu in Northern Ireland, but that doesn’t mean we should become complacent. We have been planning for a situation like this for some years and are well prepared. We will continue to make preparations to help us respond in the event of a pandemic.
“Leaflets containing important information about swine flu are currently being sent out to all homes in Northern Ireland and should be arriving through people’s letter-boxes shortly.
“The NI helpline (0800 0 514 142) is also available for anyone who has been to an affected country like Mexico or the USA and has flu-like symptoms, or for those who have any concerns about swine flu and need more information.
"The public can be assured that we will continue to inform them with the best advice to deal with any emerging situation."
Statement from the acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Elizabeth Mitchell:
"Anyone who has recently travelled to Mexico, the USA or other affected areas and develops flu-like illness should stay at home to limit contact with others and seek medical advice from a GP. The GP will then contact the Public Health Agency to ensure that the patient gets the appropriate antiviral treatment promptly.
“The public can take simple but effective measures to protect themselves including, frequent hand-washing and using a tissue to cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze. The important message is Catch it, Bin It, Kill it.”
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: nidirect
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 a tissue in a bin and wash their hands. The message is simple; Catch it. Bin it. Kill it.
In addition a leaflet will be dropped through people's doors from next Tuesday. 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. The leaflet is available to download at nidirect and DHSSPS websites
The Northern Ireland helpline is 0800 0514 142. This freephone helpline is for those who have recently returned from Mexico and another affected area 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 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 Office advise against all but essential travel to Mexico.
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.
