Hunt on for passengers after NI swine flu case confirmed

Health authorities were tonight still trying to contact every one of more than 150 people on an easyJet flight to Belfast after one of them was confirmed as the North's first case of swine flu.

The Antrim man was with his family on the last leg of their journey home from a fortnight in Mexico last Friday when he took the Gatwick to Belfast International flight.

Two days later he started to feel unwell and Northern Ireland health minister Michael McGimpsey said test results confirmed today that he had swine flu.

He is being treated with anti-virals at home and is responding well, said the minister.

So far 25 people who have been in close contact with the man, including family members, are being given the anti-viral drug Tamiflu as a precaution.

One other potential case of the flu in the North is under investigation. A further 56 people tested have proved negative.

Only 76 of the 151 passengers and crew on the 17.40 flight last Friday were from the North – so far 65 have been contacted.

Other health organisations outside the North have been alerted to make contact with the remaining passengers.

Confirming the first positive case Mr McGimpsey said: “People should not be alarmed by this development. We have been planning for a situation like this for some years and are well prepared for any potential pandemic.

“It is also reassuring that the majority of cases have had a relatively mild flu-like illness which responds well to treatment with anti-virals.

“Northern Ireland has significant stockpiles of antivirals, enough to treat 50% of the population, which is currently being increased to treat up to 80% of the population.

Dr Elizabeth Mitchell, Northern Ireland’s acting chief medical officer added: “This is a developing situation which we continue to monitor very closely. The arrangements we have in place, and are continuing to make, will help us respond well to any emerging situation.

“Everyone needs to play their part to protect and prepare themselves and their families.

“Simple, effective measures such as frequent hand-washing with soap and water and using a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when sneezing can help reduce the spread of flu.”

The patient first made contact with the medical authorities on Sunday but did not show any symptoms. He made fresh contact on Tuesday and swabs were taken which resulted in today’s positive confirmation.

Dr Mitchell said anyone who travelled to Mexico or other affected areas within the last week and developed flu-like illness should stay at home to limit contact with others and seek medical advice from their GP.

She added: “Everyone needs to play their part to protect and prepare themselves and their families.”

Just over 50 negative tests of people who were concerned they had the flu were carried out in the North before today’s positive reading.

The Public Health Agency has been tasked with tracking down everyone on the flight from Gatwick to Belfast International last Friday.

Chief executive Dr Eddie Rooney said his job was to ensure the public was protected.

“We have already identified and started anti-virals for people who have been in close contact with the patient and are following up with passengers on the flight from Gatwick to Belfast International,” he said.