Department refuses to comment on swine flu claims

THE Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has declined to comment on speculation that there has been a confirmed case of swine flu in the Newtownabbey area.
The Times received several calls this week from readers claiming that a man living in the borough is being treated for the potentially-deadly viral infection.

While revealing that two new cases of the disease were confirmed in Northern Ireland on Monday, a spokesperson for the Department said that they could not give out information about individual swine flu cases in specific areas.

"Two new cases have been confirmed. Both of these cases are men and are travel related. Both men are recovering well at home," she said.

The DHSSPS also revealed this week that there are now a total of 45 confirmed cases of swine flu in Northern Ireland.

Last month, as the virus spread globally, the World Health Organisation declared the outbreak a pandemic, while also noting that the virus has so far been of 'moderate severity.'

Swine flu, so-called because the virus originated in pigs, typically spreads from coughs and sneezes or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the nose or mouth. It has already claimed more than 400 lives across the globe, including several fatalities in the UK.

Anyone requiring more information about swine flu should telephone the freephone helpline on 0800 0514 142.

* Last Updated: 08 July 2009 9:58 AM
* Source: Newtownabbey Times
* Location: Glengormley, NEWTOWN ABBEY