Swine flu outbreak at Borders factory

David Knox • Published 1 Jul 2009 13:00 0 Comments

A JEDBURGH factory is at the centre of the region"s first swine flu outbreak.

A total of six cases have now been confirmed at the toolmaking plant after one of the employees contracted the virus when travelling overseas.

The Scottish Borders had escaped the highly contagious virus which has claimed over 310 lives around the world until last Friday.

And by Monday local health officials confirmed three of his workmates had also tested positive.

Other employees as well as family members of the confirmed cases are being monitored to see if they have contracted the flu.

A health spokeswoman told the Border Telegraph: 'NHS Borders Public Health Team continues to monitor the situation and is working to identify any person that requires further assessment in line with the national guidelines.

'It is very important that people who think they are unwell with flu do not go to their GP surgery, A&E or any of the hospitals. This will only increase the risk of spreading the disease to patients who are already poorly and are more likely to suffer more severe symptoms.'

Almost 1,000 cases of swine flu have now been confirmed in Scotland - resulting in the deaths of a 38-year-old mum in Paisley and a 78-year-old man from Inverclyde last month.

Community leaders are urging that panic doesn"t follow the first local cases.

The spokeswoman added: 'Anyone concerned they might be ill with H1N1 should stay at home.'

A nine-year-old girl from Birmingham became the third UK victim of the flu strain this week.

It was stressed that all three UK victims had underlying health issues.

Jedburgh councillor Sandy Scott, who is the local authority"s health spokesman, told us: 'The situation is being monitored almost hourly.

'NHS Borders have the lead role in this instance, who are backed up by the police, and we at Scottish Borders Council play a supporting role.'

Symptoms of the H1N1 Flu include headaches, high fever and shivers, a cough, sore throat and aching muscles.

Anyone who believes they are suffering from swine flu should contact NHS24 on 08454242424.

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This article appeared in Border Telegraph 01 Jul 09

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