Fourth NI swine flu case confirmed

A fourth case of swine flu has been confirmed in Northern Ireland, the Department of Health said today.

A fourth case of swine flu has been confirmed in Northern Ireland, the Department of Health said today.

A man recently back from the US was the victim. He has been given anti-virals and is at home and recovering well. All close contacts of him are also being treated.

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: “It is not surprising that we have seen a further case of swine flu and I would urge people not to be alarmed. This was to be expected. I am pleased to hear that the individual is recovering well at home.

“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.

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“We will continue to be vigilant to ensure that we are well placed to deal with any emerging situation.”

Northern Ireland has enough anti-virals to treat 50 per cent of the population and this is being increased to treat 80 per cent.

On Tuesday a man recently returned from England was diagnosed with the illness. He had been in contact with someone who tested positive for the virus. Yesterday another man who was in New York was confirmed as a sufferer.

There have been many other cases in the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain.

An agreement to secure the production of a pre-pandemic vaccine has been signed. By December this year there could be enough pre-pandemic vaccine to protect at least half of the population from swine flu.

If a pandemic is declared, everyone in Northern Ireland will have access to two doses of vaccine if they need them.

PA