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