THE BOROUGH S first reported case of Swine Flu has not spread to any other residents. Barking and Dagenham NHS confirmed last week that there have been no more infections found, even among the affected persons family and friends. Two weeks ago doctors rep

THE BOROUGH'S first reported case of Swine Flu has not spread to any other residents.

Barking and Dagenham NHS confirmed last week that there have been no more infections found, even among the affected persons family and friends.

Two weeks ago doctors reported the borough's first resident had developed Swine Flu after a recent trip to the USA.

Health chiefs would release no further details about the infected person as they wanted to protect the patient's identity.

Swine Flu is believed to have originated in Mexico in April after an outbreak there killed over 100 people.

In the UK there have been 664 reported cases of the infection, with more and more patients falling ill.

However no-one has died as a result of Swine Flu in this country, although deaths have been reported in Mexico, USA, Canada, Chile, Dominican Republic and Costa Rica.

In Barking and Dagenham the NHS has set up an Influenza Planning Committee, involving health, council and police chiefs who meet regularly.

The pandemic alert status for Swine Flu across the world remains at five - the highest level.

The Health Protection Agency advises: "If you return from an affected area and become unwell within seven days of your return or if you have been in contact with a confirmed or probable case of swine flu you should stay at home and contact your GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

"You will be assessed and, if necessary, testing and treatment will be provided."

Visit www.bdpct.nhs.uk or www.hpa.org.uk for more information.

Remember Catch It; Bin It; Kill It to avoid spreading infection.