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Swine flu confirmed in Exmouth Market
HEALTH bosses have insisted there are enough supplies of swine flu antivirals for the “worst-case scenario” after the first case of the virus in Islington was confirmed last night (Thursday).
A 23-year-old man, from Exmouth Market, is being treated at home with antiviral drugs after returning home from Mexico. He is believed to have been placed in quarantine and is responding well to treatment.
The Health Protection Agency is carrying out tests on anyone who has had close contact with the man.
A second man, a 29-year-old from Westminster, was also confirmed with swine flu last night. These are the second and third cases to be confirmed in London.
A spokesman for NHS Islington said of Islington’s supply of the antiviral drug Tamiflu last night: “I can’t give an absolute number but there’s enough stockpiled locally for if we get to a level 6. We’ve got enough for the worst case predictions from the Health Protection Agency and the World Health Organisation. Not everyone will need it.”
Islington Council Health chief councillor Ursula Woolley said she did not “know personally” how much Tamiflu the borough has but added: “If NHS Islington say they have got enough antiviral drugs for what in their judgment is the worst case scenario then we should respect that.
“NHS Islington and the council both have extensive plans in place for any epidemic to make sure that all services are properly maintained.”
But she said it was “inappropriate” to say what the plans are.
A spokeswoman for the Health Protection Agency said: “There’s no antidote. There’s no vaccine because it’s a new disease and we won’t have one for six months. Tamiflu, the antiviral drug, is not a cure. It helps the immune system fight the virus.”
She said she could not discuss arrangements for individual Primary Care Trusts but said: “We have a limited supply of the antiviral drug. Because we’re seeing a small amount of cases our Health Protection units have been supplying them to the patients.
“The big supplies are held by the Department of Health and now we’re in Phase 5 those are being supplied nationally.”
An Islington Council spokeswoman said: “Islington Council is working closely with the NHS and government and monitoring the situation.”
For more information about swine flu ring the national information line on 0800 1513 513 or visit www.direct.gov.uk/swineflu |
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