The Department of Health confirmed this evening that while there have been no cases of the swine flu virus in the State, it is currently awaiting the results of tests on four people who presented themselves with flu-like symptoms over the last 48 hours.
At a briefing this evening, the Minister for Health said that results on the four samples would be available later this evening.
While health officials declined to say whether any of the four suspected cases had recently returned from Mexico, it was confirmed that all four had a travel history which was a cause for concern. A fifth sample tested for the virus which has been responsible for 149 deaths in Mexico was negative.
Ms Harney said that her Department was not advising against travel to areas affected by the virus and said that along with a stockpile of antiviral medication, there was also a stockpile of masks and gowns available should they be needed.
Ms Harney is due to attend an emergency meeting of EU health ministers in Luxembourg on Thursday to discuss the issue.
Earlier today, the Department of Health said the State has stockpiled enough antiviral drugs to deal with the threat of swine flu.
Dr Tony Holohan, chief medical officer of the Department said the stocks of antivirals cover "almost 50 per cent of the population.”
There is enough Tamiflu, a drug taken orally, to treat 25 per cent of the population and enough Relenza, an inhaled medication, to treat 20 per cent of the population over the age of seven.
In a statement released this afternoon Dr Kevin Kelleher, head of health protection with the HSE said: ”We haven't seen any cases in Ireland as yet, but it is important to be prepared for any possible cases that may arise”.
“This is an evolving situation and it is likely that more countries will be affected over the coming days,” he added.
This morning Spain became the first country in Europe to confirm a case of the H1N1 virus when a man who returned from a trip to Mexico last week was found to be infected. Two people in Scotland were confirmed as testing positive for the virus tonight.
Experts from the WHO are due to meet tomorrow in Geneva to discuss whether to increase the pandemic threat level. The current phase three level means the flu predominantly affects animals with a few human infections. If there is a sustained threat of human to human transmission the WHO will increase the level to a phase four or five alert.
“There are currently no travel restrictions advised, but the situation is also under active review by the WHO,” the HSE said.
It advised people in Ireland who have travelled to the affected areas and who develop flu-like symptoms to seek medical help. “If you develop an influenza-like illness and have recently returned – within the last 7 days – from Mexico, Texas or California, you should contact your GP,” said Dr Kelleher.
Symptoms of the virus consist of influenza-like illness - fever and respiratory tract illness (cough, sore throat, runny nose), headache, muscle aches – with some cases including vomiting and diarrhoea.
The HSE also recommends the following precautionary measures:
- Cover your nose and mouth with disposable single-use tissues when sneezing, coughing, wiping and blowing your nose
- Dispose of used tissues in the nearest waste bin
- Wash your hands after coughing, sneezing, using tissues, or contact with respiratory secretions and contaminated objects
- Keep your hands away from the mucous membranes of the eyes and mouth
- If you are sick with flu, stay at home to avoid spreading infection to others
Meanwhile, in a statement released this evening Safefood reassured customers that pork products are safe to eat. “Swine flu does not pose a food safety risk as it cannot be transmitted through food,” the statement said.
“Safefood, following guidelines from the WHO, advises that pork and pork products can be prepared and eaten as usual, provided that they are handled hygienically while raw, and cooked thoroughly prior to consumption,” it added.