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27/04/2009
UK On High Alert After Swine Flu Outbreak
UK health chiefs have confirmed that efforts are being "stepped up" to prevent the spread of the swine flu virus which has killed more than 100 people in Mexico, and reached the US and Canada.
A Department of Health spokeswoman described the outbreak as "unusual and of concern".
At least 103 people in Mexico are now suspected to have died after contracting the flu, while 20 cases have been reported in the US and six in Canada.
Meanwhile, cases have also been reported in Spain, France, Israel, Australia and New Zealand.
Tests were continuing to assess two people who were admitted to hospital in Scotland suffering from "flu-like symptoms" after returning from Mexico.
Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish health secretary said, however, that their flu-like symptoms were mild and the couple’s condition was causing little concern.
A Department of Health spokeswoman said surveillance arrangements in the UK were being "stepped up" but added: "It is too early to make a complete assessment of the health implications of this new virus or if it could represent the appearance of a potential pandemic strain of influenza virus."
Health Secretary Alan Johnson said the UK had £500m of flu medication ready.
"We have a stockpile of drugs. Tamiflu deals with it once it's started and deals with it very effectively, we know from Mexico," he said.
"Once we know what the strain is we will look to find a vaccine to prevent it and we have a pre-agreement for these vaccines to be produced as soon as we decide."
(JM/BMcC)
A Department of Health spokeswoman described the outbreak as "unusual and of concern".
At least 103 people in Mexico are now suspected to have died after contracting the flu, while 20 cases have been reported in the US and six in Canada.
Meanwhile, cases have also been reported in Spain, France, Israel, Australia and New Zealand.
Tests were continuing to assess two people who were admitted to hospital in Scotland suffering from "flu-like symptoms" after returning from Mexico.
Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish health secretary said, however, that their flu-like symptoms were mild and the couple’s condition was causing little concern.
A Department of Health spokeswoman said surveillance arrangements in the UK were being "stepped up" but added: "It is too early to make a complete assessment of the health implications of this new virus or if it could represent the appearance of a potential pandemic strain of influenza virus."
Health Secretary Alan Johnson said the UK had £500m of flu medication ready.
"We have a stockpile of drugs. Tamiflu deals with it once it's started and deals with it very effectively, we know from Mexico," he said.
"Once we know what the strain is we will look to find a vaccine to prevent it and we have a pre-agreement for these vaccines to be produced as soon as we decide."
(JM/BMcC)
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28 April 2009
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Prime Minister Gordon Brown has vowed the Government will take "all the action necessary" to prevent the spread of swine flu. The PM made the pledge as the first British swine flu sufferers were today named today as Iain and Dawn Askham of Polmont, near Falkirk, who caught the disease on honeymoon in Cancun.
Britain Will Take Action To Prevent Swine Flu Spread, PM Says
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has vowed the Government will take "all the action necessary" to prevent the spread of swine flu. The PM made the pledge as the first British swine flu sufferers were today named today as Iain and Dawn Askham of Polmont, near Falkirk, who caught the disease on honeymoon in Cancun.
29 April 2009
Mexico Confirms Just Seven Deaths From Swine Flu
The Mexican Health Secretary, José Ángel Córdova, has said that only seven deaths - out of the supposed 159 fatalities - have been confirmed as being caused by the swine flu virus.
Mexico Confirms Just Seven Deaths From Swine Flu
The Mexican Health Secretary, José Ángel Córdova, has said that only seven deaths - out of the supposed 159 fatalities - have been confirmed as being caused by the swine flu virus.
01 March 2005
Government prepares plan for flu pandemic
Health Secretary John Reid has announced plans to purchase nearly 15 million courses of an anti-viral drug, in order to prepare for a possible influenza pandemic. The plans were announced as part of the government's Pandemic Influenza Contigency Plan.
Government prepares plan for flu pandemic
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23 July 2009
Swine Flu Line To Be Launched As 100,000 Further People Are Diagnosed
The number of those diagnosed with swine flu in the last seven days has reached 100,000 - more than double of the total the previous week in England.
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The number of those diagnosed with swine flu in the last seven days has reached 100,000 - more than double of the total the previous week in England.
19 October 2005
Flu jabs planned for all Britons
The government has announced plans to vaccinate everyone in the UK in the event of a flu pandemic. Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson announced that the Department of Health is inviting manufacturers to tender for a contract to supply pandemic flu vaccine.
Flu jabs planned for all Britons
The government has announced plans to vaccinate everyone in the UK in the event of a flu pandemic. Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson announced that the Department of Health is inviting manufacturers to tender for a contract to supply pandemic flu vaccine.
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