Two More NI Flu Cases Under Investigation

As nine more people in the UK have been confirmed as having caught swine flu - bringing the total number to 27 - six cases of possible infection are still under investigation in Northern Ireland, two more than were announced this morning.

The Department of Health has confirmed that 36 potential cases of the bug have already proven to be negative - and that it is still the case that no cases of swine flu have been confirmed.

Stormont Health Minister Michael McGimpsey (pictured) yesterday revealed that a public information campaign would this week see leaflets come through their letterboxes.

Speaking soon after the World Health Organisation determined that the global swine flu pandemic is now imminent, Mr McGimpsey said: "This is all part of our co-ordinated response to deal with any potential pandemic and to reassure the public that we continue to take every step possible to deal with any emerging situation.

"We have been planning for a situation like this for some years and are well prepared.

"We will continue to make preparations to help us respond in the event of a pandemic.

"Our main message to the public is not to be alarmed about recent developments - but to be prepared for a potential pandemic."

Mr McGimpsey said the public "should take simple but effective measures to protect themselves by covering their noses and mouths when they cough and sneeze and then put their tissue in a bin and wash their hands".

He added: "The message is simple - catch it, bin it, kill it.

Dr Elizabeth Mitchell, who is the acting Chief Medical Officer in NI, said WHO took the decision to raise the pandemic alert to five as "they consider a global pandemic to be imminent and everyone must ramp up their pandemic preparations".

She said: "The public should not to be alarmed and should continue to go about their normal business but to be prepared for a potential pandemic.

"Anyone who has travelled to Mexico or other affected areas within the last week and develops flu-like illness should stay at home to limit contact with others and seek medical advice from a GP.

"The GP will then contact the Public Health Agency to ensure that the patient gets the appropriate antiviral treatment promptly.

"Evidence to date suggests that, other than in Mexico, the majority of cases have had a relatively mild flu-like illness which responds well to treatment with antivirals."

The latest cases in the rest of the UK included five year-seven pupils at a school in Dulwich, south-east London, who had been off sick on Friday.

A pupil who visited the US during the Easter holidays had already been diagnosed with the H1N1 virus.

Two adults - who recently returned from Mexico - from London and the West Midlands were also diagnosed with swine flu yesterday.

A Northern Ireland helpline has been set up for those who have recently returned from Mexico and another affected areas and are worried and need more information. The number is 0800 0514 142.

Swine Flu Leaflets Distributed Nationwide

(BMcc/JM)