NI Student's Swine Flu Scare Proves Negative

A young Co Down man who was among six people in the province undergoing tests for possible Swine Flu has tested negative.

The 20-year-old university student was taken to hospital on Monday night after feeling unwell. He had remained in quarantine until today.

A friend of the man this morning told 4NI.co.uk the incident was a 'scare'.

Five other possible cases are still being investigated, with results currently pending on the suspected infections.

So far 36 Northern Ireland people examined for the virus have all tested negative.

Yesterday Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said medics were "well prepared", and sought to reassure the public that no cases had yet been confirmed.

"We currently have a stockpile of antivirals to cover half our population and steps are in place to increase this to treat up to 80%," he said.

The Minister said his department had a 'sleeping contract' with drug manufacturers, and confirmed officials would be increasing antibiotics stocks, in order to treat complications of influenza.

Mr McGimpsey said that so far anyone who has contracted the virus outside of Mexico, has had "a relatively mild flu".

However, he said this was no reason to be 'complacent'.

"No-one can say for certain how this virus may change or if the situation will worse," he added.

Health officials have been planning for the eventuality of a flu pandemic for a number of years.

A mass publicity campaign was launched UK-wide earlier this week, Northern Ireland households can expect information leaflets to be delivered in the coming days.

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

The UK-wide flu information line on 0800 1 513 513 provides regularly updated advice on swine flu.

See: More UK Swine Flu Cases Confirmed

(PR/BMcC)