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Tourist first NI swine flu case | Tourist first NI swine flu case |
(about 6 hours later) | |
Northern Ireland's first case of swine flu has been confirmed by the Department of Health. | Northern Ireland's first case of swine flu has been confirmed by the Department of Health. |
A man from the Portglenone area in County Antrim has the virus, which was detected after he returned from a two-week holiday in Mexico with his family. | |
The man is recovering well at home, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said. | The man is recovering well at home, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said. |
The head of the Public Health Agency, Dr Eddie Rooney, said 25 people who had been in close contact with him were being given the antiviral Tamiflu. | The head of the Public Health Agency, Dr Eddie Rooney, said 25 people who had been in close contact with him were being given the antiviral Tamiflu. |
He added that the authorities were "well prepared" to respond to the development. | He added that the authorities were "well prepared" to respond to the development. |
The authorities are not revealing the identity of the infected person, but are contacting all passengers who were on the 1740 BST Easyjet service on 8 May from Gatwick to Belfast International Airport as they may have been in contact with him. | |
Northern Ireland has significant stockpiles of antivirals, enough to treat 50% of the population, which is currently being increased to treat up to 80% of the population Health Minister Michael McGimpsey Flu expert to address conference | Northern Ireland has significant stockpiles of antivirals, enough to treat 50% of the population, which is currently being increased to treat up to 80% of the population Health Minister Michael McGimpsey Flu expert to address conference |
There were 151 passengers and crew on the flight, which was the last leg of the family's journey home. | There were 151 passengers and crew on the flight, which was the last leg of the family's journey home. |
Mr McGimpsey said given the global situation they had expected to see a swine flu case in Northern Ireland. | Mr McGimpsey said given the global situation they had expected to see a swine flu case in Northern Ireland. |
"I am pleased to hear that the patient is responding well to antiviral treatment and I hope he makes a full recovery as soon as possible," he said. | "I am pleased to hear that the patient is responding well to antiviral treatment and I hope he makes a full recovery as soon as possible," he said. |
"People should not be alarmed by this development. We have been planning for a situation like this for some years and are well prepared for any potential pandemic. | "People should not be alarmed by this development. We have been planning for a situation like this for some years and are well prepared for any potential pandemic. |
"It is also reassuring that the majority of cases have had a relatively mild flu-like illness which responds well to treatment with antivirals. | "It is also reassuring that the majority of cases have had a relatively mild flu-like illness which responds well to treatment with antivirals. |
"Northern Ireland has significant stockpiles of antivirals, enough to treat 50% of the population, which is currently being increased to treat up to 80% of the population." | "Northern Ireland has significant stockpiles of antivirals, enough to treat 50% of the population, which is currently being increased to treat up to 80% of the population." |
In Northern Ireland, 55 negative tests had been reported before the case was confirmed as swine flu. | In Northern Ireland, 55 negative tests had been reported before the case was confirmed as swine flu. |