Third case of swine flu in Wales

More cases of swine flu in Wales are expected by health officials

A third person in Wales has been diagnosed with swine flu.

A 33-year-old woman from Blaenau Gwent has been offered anti-virals and is recovering at home. Her illness is related to travel to an affected area.

Two other confirmed cases - Dr Mair Williams, 66, a Neath GP, and a 31-year-old man from the Caerphilly area - are said to have recovered.

Some 126 people have now been under investigation in Wales for swine flu, with 112 given the all-clear.

The National Public Health Service for Wales (NPHSW) said it had traced close contacts of the woman to check if any have flu symptoms and to offer them antiviral medicine.

However so far none of the close contacts have flu-like symptoms, it said.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared a global flu pandemic on Thursday after holding an emergency meeting.

Ten possible cases are being looked into in Wales. There are 849 confirmed UK cases, with 502 in England, 337 in Scotland and seven in Northern Ireland.

Chief medical officer for Wales Tony Jewell said health officials had made it clear that there would be cases in Wales and everyone must continue to be vigilant to try to reduce the spread of the virus.

He said WHO's decision to declare a pandemic was based on what was happening globally and did not suggest a sudden shift in the UK situation.

HYGIENE ADVICE

Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue where possible

Dispose of tissues promptly and carefully

Wash hands frequently with soap and water

Clean hard surfaces such as door handles regularly with a normal cleaning product

Help your children to follow hygiene advice

Source: National Public Health Service for Wales/Welsh Assembly Government

"The declaration of Phase 6 does not change the our overall assessment that so far the virus is generally mild in most people, but proving more severe in a small number of cases.

"We continue to stress that there will be more cases in Wales as the infection spreads in the community and everyone must continue to be vigilant and try to reduce the spread of the virus.

"Our advice to the public remains the same, people should follow good respiratory and hand hygiene to help prevent the spread of influenza.

"Although it is natural for people to feel apprehensive, we would like to reassure the public that we have been working to prepare for the arrival of the virus for many years and have robust procedures in place."

Dr Roland Salmon, of the National Public Health Service for Wales, said the declaration of a pandemic would not necessarily lead to a different response in Wales.

"Whereas we are currently investigating and responding to individual cases and prescribing anti-virals to all close contacts to prevent the quick spread of the disease, there will come a time when it is sensible to change this approach so that our focus moves to treating people who are ill and preventing illness in people who are most at risk," he said.

"There will be a greater emphasis on local risk assessments by public health professionals.

"The World Health Organisation considers the overall severity of the pandemic to be moderate. This means that most people recover from infection without the need for hospitalisation or medical care. Levels of clinically severe or fatal cases appear similar to levels seen with seasonal influenza.

"Nevertheless, the hospitalisation of nine patients in Scotland shows we must not be complacent about the effects of the virus in those with pre-existing health conditions.

"We continue to advise that anyone who has flu-like symptoms and has travelled to one of the affected areas should stay at home and phone their GP or NHS Direct Wales.

"People should not go to accident and emergency departments or to their GP surgery without ringing first, as this may risk spreading the infection. It also places undue pressure on the emergency services."

NHS Direct can be contacted on 0845 46 47.