April 28 2009

At a press conference this evening, (Tuesday, 28th April), the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Dept of Health & Children confirmed that there have been no positive results for swine influenza in Ireland to date.

You can listen to an audio file of the press conference on the Department of Health and Children Website.

Travel advice was updated, in line with other Europe countries, advising people to avoid unnecessary travel to the regions that have been most affected by swine flu in Mexico. The Dept of Foreign Affairs' Website will always have the most up-to-date travel advice.

Dr Kevin Kelleher, Head of Health Protection with the HSE, confirmed that 'port notices will be issued in the coming days to airports and ports containing information for those leaving the country or those who have recently returned from abroad. These notices will advise that anyone concerned that they may have developed flu-like symptoms while in or returning from an infected area should contact their GP by phone'.

'Clinicians will advise those who have returned from abroad and may be concerned if they have developed flu like symptoms. These individuals can then be tested as a precautionary measure if deemed necessary. We expect to test a number of people in these circumstances over the coming days and weeks', he said.

It was also confirmed that the HSE's surveillance has been stepped up around the country following the announcement by World Health Organisation last night that the level of World Preparedness has moved from level 3 to level 4 on its pandemic chart. Guidance has been issued to hospital clinicians and GPs in relation to sending tests to the National Viral Reference Laboratory, health workers have also been asked to report clusters of flu or respiratory infections either in members of the public and or health workers.

Meetings continued today between the HSE, Department and Health and Children and Health Protection Surveillance Centre to put plans in place around the country regarding distribution arrangements for vaccines, the referral of cases for testing, public health information systems etc. Public Health experts and officials from the HSE, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre and the Dept. of Health and Children are meeting daily and carefully monitoring reports nationally and internationally.

- ENDS -

Information is also available from:

The Department of Health and Children

The HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre

The World Health Organisation

The European Centre for Disease Control