Swine Flu
Weekly Briefing for Members

Monday 6 July 2009

The Council continues to work with the local Primary Care Trust and other partners and to assess the position on an on-going basis, and weekly at the Chief Executive’s Board meeting.

Planning for the activation of antiviral collection points continues (note that Watford activated an antiviral collection point last weekend (27/28 June).

Council personnel policies and procedures are being reviewed to cater for a pandemic scenario within the St Albans area, should that be necessary.

Latest figures show:

Countries infected: 116
Confirmed cases globally: 70893 including 311 deaths
Confirmed cases UK: 6538 including 3 confirmed deaths
Confirmed case East of England: 326
Confirmed cases Hertfordshire 57 (Herts PCT stats – last updated 26/6/09)

The Department of Health and the Health Protection Agency (HPA) have identified several areas in the UK where there is now widespread community transmission of swine flu – these are sometimes referred to as ‘hotspots’. Watford, Luton and Bedford are identified as hotspots. The latest West Hertfordshire PCT statement (see http://www.wherts-pct.nhs.uk/Content.asp?id=SXB127-A77F8085&cat=1375) reports that hotspot areas now include the Watford, Three Rivers and Hertsmere district council areas.

Councillors may wish to note that advice for faith groups is that ‘in a pandemic, it makes good sense to take precautions to limit the spread of disease by not sharing common vessels for food and drink.’ The email address for further information and specific enquiries on this subject is emergenciesmanagement@communities.gsi.gov.uk.

The HPA continues to watch for antiviral resistance and will be carrying out regular sample testing throughout this outbreak. An HPA press release on this subject can be found at http://www.hpa.org.uk/web/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1246345135429