Menu
22/05/2009
Suspected Swine Flu Case 'Negative'
Another potential case of Swine Flu in Northern Ireland has proved to be a false alarm.
The Department of Health has confirmed this afternoon that so far the province has only reported one confirmed case of the infection.
Their daily update said there has been a total of 80 other suspected cases - all of which came back negative.
While the World Health Organisation is continuing its Alert Phase 5 -which means WHO consider a global pandemic to be imminent - locally, the health department continues to insist it is well prepared for any potential pandemic.
As part of its plans, the department has 'sleeping contracts' in place with drugs manufacturers.
All confirmed cases of swine flu across the UK have all been relatively mild so far, 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, according to health officials.
Anyone who has travelled to Mexico or other affected areas within the last week and develops flu-like illness has been advised to 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 promptly.
The Northern Ireland helpline is 0800 0 514 142. This freephone helpline is for those who have recently returned from Mexico, the USA or other affected areas and are worried and need more information.
See: Diabetics At Higher Risk Of Swine Flu
(PR/JM)
The Department of Health has confirmed this afternoon that so far the province has only reported one confirmed case of the infection.
Their daily update said there has been a total of 80 other suspected cases - all of which came back negative.
While the World Health Organisation is continuing its Alert Phase 5 -which means WHO consider a global pandemic to be imminent - locally, the health department continues to insist it is well prepared for any potential pandemic.
As part of its plans, the department has 'sleeping contracts' in place with drugs manufacturers.
All confirmed cases of swine flu across the UK have all been relatively mild so far, 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, according to health officials.
Anyone who has travelled to Mexico or other affected areas within the last week and develops flu-like illness has been advised to 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 promptly.
The Northern Ireland helpline is 0800 0 514 142. This freephone helpline is for those who have recently returned from Mexico, the USA or other affected areas and are worried and need more information.
See: Diabetics At Higher Risk Of Swine Flu
(PR/JM)
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.
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.
17 December 2009
Shock Reminder Of Deadly Flu Virus
Although GP consultation rates for flu or flu-like symptoms continued their decrease - being down by 19% in the past week - there's been a shocking reminder of the possible deadly consequences of catching swine flu.
Shock Reminder Of Deadly Flu Virus
Although GP consultation rates for flu or flu-like symptoms continued their decrease - being down by 19% in the past week - there's been a shocking reminder of the possible deadly consequences of catching swine flu.
06 August 2009
Further Swine Flu Cases Confirmed
Lab tested cases of swine flu across Northern Ireland continue to rise. However, while many more people have been diagnosed as swine flu sufferers, the number of laboratory confirmed cases of swine flu have risen by just 16 - a far lower rate of increase than anywhere else in the British Isles.
Further Swine Flu Cases Confirmed
Lab tested cases of swine flu across Northern Ireland continue to rise. However, while many more people have been diagnosed as swine flu sufferers, the number of laboratory confirmed cases of swine flu have risen by just 16 - a far lower rate of increase than anywhere else in the British Isles.
-
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.
