Menu
20/10/2005
Preparations 'advanced' for pandemic flu
Health Minister Shaun Woodward said preparations for dealing with a possible pandemic flu were "very advanced".
As part of the ongoing preparations for a possible outbreak which is worrying countries across the world, the Northern Ireland Interim Influenza Pandemic Contingency Plan has been updated and re-launched and is available on the DHSSPS website at www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/phealth/pandemic/pandemic_contingency.asp
Commenting on the changes, the Minister said: "My department has drawn up a very comprehensive plan which will link in with the UK's national plan. It contains detailed actions and outlines responsibilities for all the relevant health agencies so that, in the event of a pandemic, the health service will be better able to cope under the increased pressure.
"The threat of a pandemic flu is very real. The spread of avian flu beyond Asia is obviously worrying and has increased fears that the avian flu virus could combine with a human influenza virus to create a virus with pandemic potential.
"A great deal of work has already been done to prepare for a pandemic flu. We are stockpiling anti-virals and, in line with medical advice, will have drugs to treat 25% of the population by September next year.
"Although it is not known yet what exact virus will cause a pandemic, the Department of Health will purchase vaccine, developed from the variant H5N1 strain of flu in south east Asia. This, we are advised, should offer protection to health care staff."
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has said that effective biosecurity measures by poultry keepers are vital in protecting Northern Ireland against the introduction of avian influenza.
Speaking on Wednesday, a DARD spokesperson stressed that while the overall risk assessment of Avian Flu occurring in Northern Ireland remained low, it was important that poultry keepers remain vigilant and prepared for any potential disease outbreak.
DARD has banned imports of poultry and poultry products from all affected countries and regions, including Romania and Turkey.
(MB/SP)
As part of the ongoing preparations for a possible outbreak which is worrying countries across the world, the Northern Ireland Interim Influenza Pandemic Contingency Plan has been updated and re-launched and is available on the DHSSPS website at www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/phealth/pandemic/pandemic_contingency.asp
Commenting on the changes, the Minister said: "My department has drawn up a very comprehensive plan which will link in with the UK's national plan. It contains detailed actions and outlines responsibilities for all the relevant health agencies so that, in the event of a pandemic, the health service will be better able to cope under the increased pressure.
"The threat of a pandemic flu is very real. The spread of avian flu beyond Asia is obviously worrying and has increased fears that the avian flu virus could combine with a human influenza virus to create a virus with pandemic potential.
"A great deal of work has already been done to prepare for a pandemic flu. We are stockpiling anti-virals and, in line with medical advice, will have drugs to treat 25% of the population by September next year.
"Although it is not known yet what exact virus will cause a pandemic, the Department of Health will purchase vaccine, developed from the variant H5N1 strain of flu in south east Asia. This, we are advised, should offer protection to health care staff."
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has said that effective biosecurity measures by poultry keepers are vital in protecting Northern Ireland against the introduction of avian influenza.
Speaking on Wednesday, a DARD spokesperson stressed that while the overall risk assessment of Avian Flu occurring in Northern Ireland remained low, it was important that poultry keepers remain vigilant and prepared for any potential disease outbreak.
DARD has banned imports of poultry and poultry products from all affected countries and regions, including Romania and Turkey.
(MB/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 July 2009
Tamiflu Prescribed For First Time
An antiviral drug is now being dispensed in NI for the first time. As more people are falling ill with suspected swine flu, Tamiflu is going to patients who present with symptoms.
Tamiflu Prescribed For First Time
An antiviral drug is now being dispensed in NI for the first time. As more people are falling ill with suspected swine flu, Tamiflu is going to patients who present with symptoms.
22 November 2024
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
15 January 2010
Flu Pandemic 'Exaggerated'
Northern Ireland's latest swine flu figures are still on the way down.
Flu Pandemic 'Exaggerated'
Northern Ireland's latest swine flu figures are still on the way down.
06 January 2011
NI Swine Flu Cases Accelerating
Swine flu, the H1N1 virus is firmly back in the news as new cases continue to rise. A significant jump in infections recorded in Northern Ireland has seen the number of people treated for swine flu increase from 136 to 185 in the last week of 2010.
NI Swine Flu Cases Accelerating
Swine flu, the H1N1 virus is firmly back in the news as new cases continue to rise. A significant jump in infections recorded in Northern Ireland has seen the number of people treated for swine flu increase from 136 to 185 in the last week of 2010.
28 February 2012
PHA Urges 'At-Risk' Groups To Get Flu Jab
Flu rates in Northern Ireland have been low so far this winter, but the number of cases has increased slightly in the last 1-2 weeks which may be an early sign of the start of flu season. The Public Health Agency, PHA, is therefore urging all those in ‘at-risk’ groups to make sure they are vaccinated.
PHA Urges 'At-Risk' Groups To Get Flu Jab
Flu rates in Northern Ireland have been low so far this winter, but the number of cases has increased slightly in the last 1-2 weeks which may be an early sign of the start of flu season. The Public Health Agency, PHA, is therefore urging all those in ‘at-risk’ groups to make sure they are vaccinated.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
