THREE more cases of swine flu have been confirmed in Guernsey – and Sark’s first case has also been confirmed.
It brings the total to five confirmed cases in the Bailiwick so far. Further tests are being carried out on a sixth person.
Director of public health Dr Stephen Bridgman (pictured) said that of the four latest confirmed cases – three men and one woman – three had contracted the virus during trips to the UK, Europe or Asia.
They were suffering mild to moderate symptoms and were at home. Some had not required anti-viral drugs and were better by the time the diagnosis had been made.
‘One is likely to have contracted the virus in the Far East and only developed symptoms on returning to Guernsey – another example of the way that modern transport can rapidly aid the spread of infection,’ said Dr Bridgman.
‘It is likely that a lot more people are going to become unwell in the coming weeks and months, but the good news is that most are suffering a mild-moderate self-limiting illness that may require no specific treatment.’
Dr Bridgman was aware of anxiety among some people but said there was no need to panic. Of the 5,000 cases reported in the UK only two people in Scotland had died – the only reported deaths in Europe – and both were understood to have had other underlying medical problems.
Though 100 people are thought to have died in Mexico, Dr Bridgman said that poverty problems in the country meant that people’s health there was generally not as good as islanders’.
‘While in flu pandemics up to 30% to 50% of the population may be infected at some stage, infection is not inevitable and following good hygiene advice is critical.’
He said people suffering flu-like symptoms should not go to work or travel. If they felt significantly unwell, they should call their doctor and arrange a home visit to avoid spreading infection by visiting the surgery. People should cough into handkerchiefs as the infection was mostly spread through respiratory droplets. They should not be afraid to politely ask any work colleagues who appear unwell to go home.
‘People who get it will develop their own immunity to overcome it,’ he said.
Dr Bridgman added that the island was still in the ‘containment phase’. Close contacts, such as family members living in the same house, would be offered anti-virals when appropriate. He noted that some parts of the UK had moved to a ‘treatment phase’ in which anti-virals were offered only to those with a significant illness.
Article posted on 29th June, 2009 - 11.30am
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