Menu
27/04/2009
No Panic On Swine Flu, Says NI Chief Medic
Public health in Northern Ireland is not under any "immediate threat" from a deadly new strain of animal-bourne influenza - and anti-viral medicines are already stockpiled to deal with such a threat.
Although two people in Scotland have been admitted to hospital after returning from Mexico with suspected cases of swine flu, the Acting Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland has moved to reassure local people.
"It's not an immediate threat to public health in Northern Ireland," said Dr Elizabeth Mitchell.
"But obviously we're monitoring the situation very carefully in Mexico, the United States and indeed now in Scotland as well."
The local comments follow news that UK health chiefs have confirmed that efforts are being "stepped up" to prevent the spread of the swine flu virus.
Health Secretary Alan Johnson said the UK had £500m of flu medication ready while a Department of Health spokeswoman described the outbreak as "unusual and of concern".
At least 103 people in Mexico are now suspected to have died after contracting the flu, while 20 cases have been reported in the US and six in Canada.
Meanwhile, cases have also been reported in Spain, France, Israel, Australia and New Zealand.
Tests were continuing to assess two people who were admitted to hospital in Scotland suffering from "flu-like symptoms" after returning from Mexico.
Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish Health Secretary said, however, that their flu-like symptoms were mild and the couple's condition was causing little concern.
A Department of Health spokeswoman said surveillance arrangements in the UK were being "stepped up" but added: "It is too early to make a complete assessment of the health implications of this new virus or if it could represent the appearance of a potential pandemic strain of influenza virus."
See: UK On High Alert After Swine Flu Outbreak
Although two people in Scotland have been admitted to hospital after returning from Mexico with suspected cases of swine flu, the Acting Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland has moved to reassure local people.
"It's not an immediate threat to public health in Northern Ireland," said Dr Elizabeth Mitchell.
"But obviously we're monitoring the situation very carefully in Mexico, the United States and indeed now in Scotland as well."
The local comments follow news that UK health chiefs have confirmed that efforts are being "stepped up" to prevent the spread of the swine flu virus.
Health Secretary Alan Johnson said the UK had £500m of flu medication ready while a Department of Health spokeswoman described the outbreak as "unusual and of concern".
At least 103 people in Mexico are now suspected to have died after contracting the flu, while 20 cases have been reported in the US and six in Canada.
Meanwhile, cases have also been reported in Spain, France, Israel, Australia and New Zealand.
Tests were continuing to assess two people who were admitted to hospital in Scotland suffering from "flu-like symptoms" after returning from Mexico.
Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish Health Secretary said, however, that their flu-like symptoms were mild and the couple's condition was causing little concern.
A Department of Health spokeswoman said surveillance arrangements in the UK were being "stepped up" but added: "It is too early to make a complete assessment of the health implications of this new virus or if it could represent the appearance of a potential pandemic strain of influenza virus."
See: UK On High Alert After Swine Flu Outbreak
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 January 2011
Swine Flu Claims Three More Irish Lives
While the health protection authorities have said the swine flu virus "has peaked" there were still two more deaths in Northern Ireland from swine flu last week and a further fatality across the Irish border.
Swine Flu Claims Three More Irish Lives
While the health protection authorities have said the swine flu virus "has peaked" there were still two more deaths in Northern Ireland from swine flu last week and a further fatality across the Irish border.
10 January 2011
Fresh Tragedy As NI's Swine Flu Level Rises
Northern Ireland's Public Health Agency (PHA) has made a new pledge to update the public on the number of people to have died from the swine flu virus - with the first news being that another person in NI has died from the infection.
Fresh Tragedy As NI's Swine Flu Level Rises
Northern Ireland's Public Health Agency (PHA) has made a new pledge to update the public on the number of people to have died from the swine flu virus - with the first news being that another person in NI has died from the infection.
29 September 2021
£8.7m Boost For Mental Health Services
Charitable and community mental health services are set to benefit from a new £8.7 million support grant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
£8.7m Boost For Mental Health Services
Charitable and community mental health services are set to benefit from a new £8.7 million support grant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
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.
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
