First resident has caught Swine Flu
A RESIDENT has tested positive for Swine flu after recently returning from the United States The patient is being treated with anti-viral drugs and is said to be recovering well at home in the borough. Doctors from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) will
A RESIDENT has tested positive for Swine flu after recently returning from the United States
The patient is being treated with anti-viral drugs and is said to be recovering well at home in the borough.
Doctors from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) will also test friends and family who have had close contact with the patient.
Matthew Cole, director of public health at NHS Barking and Dagenham, said: "We can confirm that an adult from the borough has tested positive for swine flu after returning from the US.
"To protect patient confidentiality, we will not be providing further information that may lead to the identification of the individual."
This is the first case of swine flu in Barking and Dagenham since the infection broke out in Mexico in April.
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There were 381 confirmed cases in the UK this week.
A significant surge is expected in the autumn.
Nobody has died from swine flu in the UK, but a man in Paisley, Scotland, is critically ill.
Deaths have occurred in Mexico, the USA, Canada, and Costa Rica.
The borough's influenza planning committee, which includes NHS Barking and Dagenham, the council and police, are on alert.
HPA says if people return from an affected area and become unwell within seven days or have been in contact with a confirmed or probable case of Swine flu, they should stay at home and contact a GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
They will be assessed and, if necessary, tested and treatment will be provided. More information is available at: www.bdpct.nhs.uk.
