Swine flu may already be in UK - Midlands expert
Apr 27 2009 by Tony Collins, Birmingham Mail
Businessman Chris Clarke, from Stanwick, Northamptonshire, said it was “very good news”.
“I think it isn’t unusual to feel slightly run-down after a long-haul flight but there was always an outside possibility that it was something more sinister than common or garden flu.”
The NHS has a stockpile of more than £500 million worth of the Tamiflu anti-viral drug which has proved effective on patients in Mexico, and scientists are working on developing a vaccine against the new strain, said Mr Johnson.
The World Health Organisation rated Britain as one of the two countries best prepared for an outbreak, alongside France.
The global health watchdog today warned countries around the world to look out for unusual flu cases as the outbreak spread to the USA, where a total of 20 cases have been confirmed, Canada and probably New Zealand, where ten students are ill after a school trip to Mexico.
Experts say swine flu is worse than the previous bird flu outbreaks which have killed more than 250 people in 15 countries, because it appears to pass from human to human.
The UK Health Protection Agency said: “No cases of swine flu have been identified in the UK or anywhere in Europe.
“The reported events in the US and Mexico are unusual and warrant further investigation and vigilance on the part of other countries.
“More investigation and testing is needed to determine the severity of the disease and the ease with which it can spread.
“These investigations are currently under way by Mexican and US authorities with the support of the World Health Organisation.
“The HPA is monitoring this situation closely and is working with the UK government to review the current incident and any threat it poses to UK public health.”
The advice for anyone experiencing symptoms including fever and fatigue after travelling abroad was to stay at home and contact the NHS Direct telephone helpline, Mr Johnson.
The Foreign Office is not advising Britons to stay away from Mexico at this stage, but said travellers to the country should consult a doctor immediately if they show signs of flu-like symptoms.
The Mexican Secretariat of Health has advised people to avoid large crowds, shaking hands, kissing people as a greeting, or using the subway. Maintaining a distance of at least six feet from other persons and frequent hand washing may decrease the risk of exposure.
FCO Travel Advice can also be obtained from 0845 850 2829 or at www.fco.gov.uk.
