News and Events


12 June 2009
Swine Flu

The World Health Organization has declared Phase 6 of its pandemic alert system, which means that swine flu, is now spreading in communities in several countries. This is the first influenza pandemic to be declared since 1968.

Over 900 people in the UK are now known to have contracted the virus. Worldwide there are nearly 30,000 confirmed cases in 74 different countries.

The WHO’s decision to declare a pandemic is based on what is happening globally with the spread of the virus rather than its severity and does not suggest a sudden shift in the UK situation.

The declaration of Phase 6 does not change the UK’s overall assessment that so far the virus is generally mild in most people, but proving more severe in a small number of cases.

The UK strategy of providing antivirals for those who have developed the disease and their close contacts, and using school closures where appropriate has so far been effective in slowing the spread of the disease.

People should remain calm and follow the advice provided in the leaflet recently distributed to all households.

27 April 2009
Swine Flu
As local people will be aware, there are confirmed reports of human cases of swine flu in the US, Spain and Mexico. These cases are unusual and warrant further investigation. Although the Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Local resilience Forum and all of its partners are being vigilant and is well prepared, it is too early to predict whether swine flu could ultimately result in a global pandemic.

The UK was one of the first countries to have a flu pandemic contingency plan in place. The UK plan seeks to reduce the negative health impact of any pandemic and the possible disruption it may cause to essential services and people’s daily lives. This will be through measures such as antiviral treatment and immunisation (when this becomes available), and preparing the NHS and society as far as possible.

Devon and Cornwall Pandemic Flu Lead, Debra Lapthorne, (Joint Director of Public Health for Plymouth) said: “The Local Resilience Forum in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has taken a proactive approach. We established a multi-agency Pandemic Flu planning group in 2007 to develop plans to provide an effective response locally to an influenza pandemic - reducing the impact on health, safeguarding essential services and minimising social disruption.”

“We are working closely with the NHS in the South West including the Strategic Health Authority and the Health Protection Agency to ensure we act on the latest information and with local partner organisations to ensure effective co-ordination. In many respects we are building on existing outbreak and major incident plans – the principles remain the same.”

Although there is no current identified risk to the health of people in Devon and Cornwall, the NHS is advising people to adopt good hygiene practice as normal:

·Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue whenever possible

·Dispose of dirty tissues promptly and carefully – bag and bin them

·Maintain good hygiene – washing hands frequently with soap and water

·Clean hard surfaces (e.g. kitchen worktops, door handles) frequently, using a normal cleaning product

·Stay at home when you are sick – if you have a cough and a fever, it is best to rest at home, take medicines to relieve the symptoms and drink plenty of fluids. This will speed your recovery and help prevent the spread of infection.

Deb Lapthorne added: “If you need medical advice or assistance, phone NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or your GP surgery.”

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