Ministerial statement to the assembly on swine flu
Monday, 18 May 2009Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey today updated the Northern Ireland Assembly on the current swine influenza situation.
The Minister said: “Mr Speaker, I wish to provide a further update to members in relation to the swine flu virus.
“The most significant development has been the announcement of Northern Ireland’s first confirmed case of swine flu. People should not be alarmed by this development. In light of the current situation across the world, it was only to be expected that we would have a case in Northern Ireland.
“I am pleased to hear that the individual, who has recently returned from Mexico, is at home and continuing to make a good recovery. It is reassuring to date that confirmed cases of swine flu across the UK have all been relatively mild and responded well to antiviral treatment. The strategy to use antivirals to contain the spread of the virus appears to have been effective in reducing the spread of the virus, as well as reducing symptoms.
“In relation to the confirmed case, the Public Health Agency has contacted passengers who travelled on the same flight as this individual. As the flight was now more than seven days ago, their advice is that the risk of infection is very low.
“I would also like to emphasise that we have had no cases in school children in Northern Ireland and parents, teachers and pupils can be reassured by that. The message to school children and to everyone else is to follow simple, effective measures such as frequent hand-washing with soap and water and using a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when sneezing, to reduce the spread of flu.
“Anyone who has travelled to Mexico or other affected areas within the last week and develops flu-like illness should stay at home and seek medical advice from a GP. The GP will then contact the Public Health Agency who will ensure that any person who needs further investigation and treatment will be followed up quickly.
“Mr Speaker, this is a developing situation which we continue to monitor very closely. It is clear that the virus continues to spread across the world and there are now confirmed cases in 36 countries. In the UK there are now 101 confirmed cases and one in the Republic of Ireland. As I have already stated, Northern Ireland still only has one confirmed case of swine flu and there are two cases currently under investigation.
“The World Health Organisation Pandemic Alert Level remains at level 5. This indicates the increasing likelihood of a pandemic but not, I must stress, that it is inevitable.
“Mr Speaker, I realise that the confirmation of Northern Ireland’s first case of swine flu may have caused some concern for the public. The clear advice from the Public Health Agency and other health professionals is that while they are treating the current global situation as serious, there is good reason to be confident we can deal with it.
“Scientists have examined previous pandemics and we now know much more than ever before about treatments and how to stop the virus spreading. At the moment, a great deal of work is underway to study the virus, however, it is still too early to determine what impact that swine flu will have. Nor is it possible to predict if the virus will remain mild, so we must continue to be vigilant. We must be prepared for a potential further wave of the swine flu virus in the autumn, which may be more widespread. In light of this, it is essential, that we use our stock of antivirals carefully so that the public will be protected during the winter months.
“Northern Ireland is well prepared for any potential pandemic and has been planning for such a situation for a number of years. In the last few days an agreement to secure the production of a pre-pandemic vaccine has 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.
“In addition, as part of our plans for a pandemic, we also have sleeping contracts in place, which means that if WHO moves to Phase 6 and declares a pandemic we 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.
“It will, however, take several months before a vaccine becomes available. In the interim we need to ensure we have enough antivirals to treat those people who may need them. We currently have a stock of antiviral drugs which will cover half of the population. Steps are in place to increase this so that there will be antivirals to treat up to 80% of the population.
“Previously, global pandemics have not been known to affect more than a third of the population. The arrangements we have in place and are continuing to make, will help us respond well to any emerging situation.
“Officials in my Department, together with staff in the Public Health Agency and in the Health and Social Care sector have been working tirelessly to ensure there is robust surveillance and appropriate testing of individuals at risk. They have also put measures in place to ensure the immediate availability of antiviral medications to those who may need them.
“The public should be reassured that the health and social care service, GPs and other health professionals are geared up to deal with this situation. Supplies of antivirals have been sent to hospitals, GP out of hours centres and community pharmacies.
“Work is also underway to increase supplies of antibiotics to ensure that we have enough to treat the potential complications of influenza, particularly pneumonia.
“The Northern Ireland Swine Flu helpline continues to operate and up to 1700 calls have been made to the 0800 051 41 42 number since it was set up at the end of April. Information on swine flu is also available from the UK Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513.
“A major publicity campaign, including television, radio and newspaper advertising has been running over the last few weeks. I believe this has been very effective in getting across the steps people can take to protect themselves. Following good hygiene practices is the main way the public can help prevent the spread of this virus. This includes regular hand washing, using a clean tissue to cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and remaining at home if they develop flu-like symptoms. These are simple, yet highly effective steps that every individual can take that will make a real difference.
“Every home in Northern Ireland should now have received a leaflet which provides further advice and information for the public. I would again ask the public to read the leaflet and keep it safe.
“I continue to receive full and detailed briefings on the situation as it develops. This includes taking part in regular Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms (COBR) which are chaired by Alan Johnson, Secretary of State for Health in England and the Health Ministers from Wales and Scotland also participate.
“Daily updates on this situation continue to be issued to the media and to all Assembly members. I want to assure the public and this Assembly that this issue is being taken seriously by the government, not just in Northern Ireland but across the world.
“I will of course report again to the Assembly if there are significant changes to the current situation. In the meantime, members can remain assured that we have the necessary capability to respond to the swine flu virus.
“The Health Service is well prepared and I would like to thank staff in the service for the commitment, support and dedication they have demonstrated in the face of a potential pandemic”.
Notes to Editors:
Press enquiries to DHSSPS press office on 028 90520575, 028 90520579. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
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