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09/06/2009
Six NI Swine Flu Cases Confirmed
Two more cases of swine flu have been confirmed in Northern Ireland, the Department of Health has said.
This brings the total number of cases in the province to six.
The latest to be diagnosed with the illness are a male and a female who returned separately from America; one from Florida and one from New York.
Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: "It is not surprising that other cases are beginning to emerge and I would again urge people not be alarmed.
"The public can be reassured that we are prepared for a situation like this. Our containment strategy to use anti-virals to slow the spread of the virus also appears to be effective, as well as reducing symptoms.
"But we can not be complacent - we will continue to be vigilant to ensure we are well-placed to deal with any emerging situation."
NI has enough anti-virals to treat 50% of the population and this is being increased to treat 80%.
Dr Elizabeth Mitchell, Northern Ireland's Acting Chief Medical Officer, said: "Simple, effective measures can help reduce the spread of flu.
"Always use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when sneezing, dispose of the tissue and then wash your hands with soap and water or sanitising gel. The message is simple - catch it, bin it, kill it."
If a pandemic is declared, everyone in Northern Ireland will have access to two doses of vaccine if they need them.
(GK/JM)
This brings the total number of cases in the province to six.
The latest to be diagnosed with the illness are a male and a female who returned separately from America; one from Florida and one from New York.
Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: "It is not surprising that other cases are beginning to emerge and I would again urge people not be alarmed.
"The public can be reassured that we are prepared for a situation like this. Our containment strategy to use anti-virals to slow the spread of the virus also appears to be effective, as well as reducing symptoms.
"But we can not be complacent - we will continue to be vigilant to ensure we are well-placed to deal with any emerging situation."
NI has enough anti-virals to treat 50% of the population and this is being increased to treat 80%.
Dr Elizabeth Mitchell, Northern Ireland's Acting Chief Medical Officer, said: "Simple, effective measures can help reduce the spread of flu.
"Always use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when sneezing, dispose of the tissue and then wash your hands with soap and water or sanitising gel. The message is simple - catch it, bin it, kill it."
If a pandemic is declared, everyone in Northern Ireland will have access to two doses of vaccine if they need them.
(GK/JM)
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