Update on confirmed swine flu cases
19 May 2009
Four further patients under investigation in England have today been confirmed with swine flu. Together with the one case in Scotland announced by the Scottish Government yesterday (May 18 2009) the current total number of confirmed UK cases is now 107.
Testing of the swine flu virus is carried out by the Health Protection Agency's laboratories.
There are four new confirmed cases in England: three children and one adult in the London region. Of these, three are linked to previously confirmed cases and the other one is travel related.
Region
|
Confirmed new cases for
19 May 2009
|
Totalconfirmed cases as 19 May 2009
|
|---|
East of England
|
–
|
11
|
East Midlands
|
–
|
2
|
London
|
4
|
61
|
North East
|
–
|
1
|
North West
|
–
|
6
|
South East
|
–
|
9
|
South West
|
–
|
3
|
West Midlands
|
–
|
3
|
Yorkshire & Humber
|
–
|
–
|
TOTAL ENGLAND
|
4
|
96
|
Northern Ireland
|
–
|
1
|
Scotland
|
–
|
10
|
Wales
|
–
|
–
|
TOTAL UK
|
4
|
107
|
139 cases are currently under laboratory investigation in the UK.These cases change on a daily basis on account of some of those under assessment being discounted and new ones being introduced. This figure is correct at the time stated.
Due to the time-lag between the reporting of symptoms, taking swabs, testing and the confirmation of results, the new cases reported daily may have recovered and may now be symptom-free. All symptomatic patients are recovering at home. Close contacts of these cases are receiving antivirals as a precautionary measure.
Advice remains that individuals returning from affected areas who become unwell within seven days of their return or contacts of a confirmed or probable case of swine flu who are exhibiting symptoms should stay at home and contact their GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647. Individuals will be assessed and, if necessary, testing and treatment will be provided.
General infection control practices and good respiratory hand hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including swine flu. This includes:
Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible.
Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.
Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people.
Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
Making sure your children follow this advice.
Anyone who is being investigated as a possible case of swine flu (which means they meet the epidemiological criteria and have symptoms) or has been confirmed with the infection will be given antivirals and will be asked to stay at home and limit their contact with other people.
Where antivirals are prescribed, it is important that the specified course of treatment is followed and completed, even though in some cases this medication may cause nausea.