Swine Flu Is 'Work In Progress', Says Health Minister

Work continues on protecting Northern Ireland from any possible infections from the deadly strain of flu that has killed over 100 people in Mexico.

Yesterday afternoon, NI Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey (pictured here) updated the Assembly on the current situation.

"Swine influenza virus has been identified in seven districts in Mexico, in Canada and in California, Texas, Kansas and New York in the United States," he said.

"Possible cases are being investigated in other parts of the world, including the UK and the outbreak, involving the swine influenza virus A H1N1, is a matter of considerable concern for public health authorities worldwide," he continued.

"In Northern Ireland my officials have been working on the issue throughout the weekend and further work is ongoing, particularly in regard to surveillance, advice to the health sector and communication with the general public.

"The reported events in North America are unusual and so warrant further investigation and vigilance on the part of other countries.

"Investigation and testing is ongoing to determine the severity of the disease and the ease with which it can spread," he said, noting there has, at this stage, no change to the World Health Organisation Pandemic Alert level, which remains at level III.

"It is not therefore the case that a pandemic flu has been declared," he assured MLAs.

"My Department and the Public Health Agency are monitoring this situation extremely closely in order to assess the implications, if any, for public health in Northern Ireland.

"There is very close liaison with the UK Health Protection Agency and UK Government Departments, particularly Cabinet Office and the Department of Health.

"Officials are also working closely with the Department of Health and Children in the Republic of Ireland," he continued, insisting that Northern Ireland has robust plans in place for dealing with situations such as this.

"We have worked and are working extremely closely with the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland to ensure we are prepared and to ensure that the public is protected to the maximum level possible."

He said that systems are in place though to ensure early identification of the new strain if it arrives in Northern Ireland.

"At present, there are no confirmed cases of swine flu in the UK, but some travellers recently returned from Mexico are under assessment in Scotland," he said.

"Testing has shown that the human swine influenza can be treated with antiviral drugs, which I am pleased to say that we have already stockpiled in Northern Ireland."

He also said there is absolutely no risk from eating pork or pork products.

"Properly handled pork and cooked pork and pork products are safe, because the virus is not transmitted through food," he insisted.

See: Swine Flu Alert Level Increased After Irish Cases

(BMcC/JM)