Number of cases under investigation in NI - 6
Number of negative cases to date in NI - 36
Number of confirmed cases in NI - 0
Statement from the Minister for Health, Michael McGimpsey:
“At this point I want again to reassure the public that we have no confirmed cases and we are well prepared for any cases that may emerge.
“We currently have a stockpile of antivirals to cover half our population and steps are in place to increase this to treat up to 80% of the population. With regard to the production of a vaccine, my Department, along with the other UK Health Departments, has a sleeping contract in place with manufacturers. This arrangement reserves our place in the global queue should production of a pandemic specific vaccine become necessary. I am also increasing our stocks of antibiotics in case they are needed to treat complications of influenza, particularly pneumonia.
“We must take some reassurance from the fact that, to date, anyone who has contracted the virus outside of Mexico, has had a relatively mild flu, similar to that of seasonal flu and that swine flu appears to respond well to treatment with antivirals.
“We should however not be complacent. No-one can say for certain how this virus may change or if the situation will worsen. We have been planning for a potential pandemic for a number of years and this country remains amongst one of the best prepared in the world.
"The public can be assured that government is taking this issue seriously. I will continue to monitor the situation closely, working with Ministerial colleagues in other UK administrations and in the Republic of Ireland. I will also continue to provide the people of Northern Ireland with the best advice to deal with any emerging situation."
Statement from the acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Elizabeth Mitchell:
“Our main message to the public is not to be alarmed about recent developments – but to be prepared for a potential pandemic.
"Anyone who has travelled to Mexico 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.
“As part of our public information campaign, people in Northern Ireland should expect to see the door drop leaflets come through their letterboxes from the end of this week. This is all part of our coordinated response to deal with any potential pandemic and to reassure the public that we continue to take every step possible to deal with any emerging situation.
“The public can take simple but effective measures to protect themselves by covering their noses and mouths when they cough and sneeze and then put their tissue in a bin and wash their hands. The message is simple; 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.
