Swine Flu

Weekly Briefing for Members

Friday 12th June 2009

On the 11 June the World Health Organisation announced a Phase 6 alert indicating a ‘flu pandemic in at least two regions in the world. The pandemic relates to geographic spread and not severity of the symptoms, which are described as moderate with few cases requiring hospital treatment. Infection levels remain low in the UK.

We do not anticipate our planning and actions will change significantly as a result of this announcement and will continue to follow guidance from the Government and the Health Protection Agency.

The Council continues to work with the local Primary Care Trust and other partners on contingency planning. HR policies are being reviewed and infection control continues.

Details of how to obtain swine flu leaflets in a variety of languages are included on the SADC website.

The position continues to be assessed on an on-going basis and weekly at the Chief Executive’s Board meeting.

Latest figures show:

Countries infected: 73

Confirmed cases globally: 24731 plus

Confirmed cases UK: 822

Confirmed cases East of England: 43

Confirmed cases Hertfordshire: 7

The latest PCT statement can be seen at http://www.wherts-pct.nhs.uk/Content.asp?id=SXC435-A77F7FA5&cat=1375