swine flu

swine flu: seven suspected cases test negative in Falkirk

2009-04-29T04:16:00.000-07:00

Seven suspected cases of swine flu have been tested negative from Falkirk, Scotland. Such good news is welcome by all but especially by those lucky seven. If I were you I'd consider buying a lottery ticket!

three new cases in the UK

2009-04-29T04:07:00.000-07:00

The prime minister, Gordon Brown, has confirmed today during Prime Ministers question time in Parliment that three new cases of swine flu have been diagnosed. Bringing the UK total to five with further tests outstanding on another twenty suspected cases.

A twelve year old girl in Torbay has been diagnosed with the condition. The school she attends has been closed and the pupils, staff and parents are being offered preventative medication. Two adults, one in Birmingham, the other in London have also been diagnosed.

Germany confirms three cases of swine flu

2009-04-29T03:38:00.000-07:00

Germany today has confirmed that three cases of swine flu have been diagnosed; making it the ninth country to be affected by the virus.

The EU will be holding an emergency committee meeting tomorrow as the virus verges on being classed as pandemic. The French have tried to pre-emt the EU by demanding tomorrow that all flights to Mexico are banned.

swine flu update 29th April

2009-04-29T02:57:00.000-07:00

As the toll of suspected deaths of swine flu rises over 160 in Mexico the UK government are to issue every household with an advisory leaflet to allay public fears. The Governments emergency committee, COBRA, are in session this morning to discuss the future handling of the virus. The NHS is to stokpile medical face masks to be issued to emergency services.

Health officials in Scotland have sent samples from a suspected 23 cases to London labs for testing; 9 of which are known to the original case of honeymooners from Falkirk.

Reuters have just confirmed the death of a 23 month child in Texas of swine flu - the first non Mexican victim of the killer bug. The number of confirmed cases has risen to 65 in the states.

The French foreign Minister has also requested that the EU ban all flights to Mexico.

World Health Organisation raises alert

2009-04-28T07:08:00.000-07:00

The World Health Organisation has raised it's alert status on the Mexican outbreak to phase 4 amidst fears that containment of the virus is now impossible. This makes the likelyhood of what is termed as a pandemic more likely. The world holds it's breath and prays that the condition is not as virulent as first signs would suggest.

Swine flu has already claimed the lives of over 150 Mexicans and has been confirmed in the UK.

The European Union has issued an advisory note to member states urging that non essential travel to Mexico and parts of the USA be postponed. The UK government has followed with it's own announcement through the Home office.

All UK flights to these regions are departing as mercy flights to bring citizens back as a matter of urgency. Holiday makers are being prevented from travelling but should expect full refunds or alternative destination.