Holidays may stem Exeter swine flu outbreaks

By [bgerrard] bradley gerrard

PEOPLE across the city are being reminded to stay away from their GP or NHS walk-in centres if they suspect they have swine flu.

There have been a number of cases reported in Exeter and other parts of Devon. The Maynard School in Exeter’s Magdalen Road has confirmed one case while  Tiverton High School has reported four suspected cases.

Around 15 students from Exeter University tested positive for the virus last month, as did pupils from a number of primary and secondary schools.

Experts say that with schools breaking up for the  summer holidays, the spread of the virus  could possibly be stemmed.

Andrew Lovett, head teacher at Tiverton High School, said: “I don’t think we are out of kilter with other places. We have a small number of cases.

“The swab tests are not being sent away any more and we have not had any more cases that I am aware of.” Mr Lovett said the cases were only suspected.

A spokeswoman for Devon Primary Care Trust said: “The Government has drawn on advice from leading scientists and health experts to inform its decision that, as of July 2, the UK moved to the treatment-only phase.

“In practical terms, this means that GPs will be able to diagnose swine flu on the basis of symptoms rather than waiting for laboratory testing. All contact tracing has ceased, and we will stop giving anti-viral drugs to people who may have been exposed to the virus.

“Anyone who has contracted swine flu should continue to be offered anti-virals until further notice. As a result, much less testing is taking place and therefore the numbers of people confirmed — or where they live — may not give an accurate picture of the current situation in relation to swine flu.”

She added: “There are isolated pockets of activity in Devon, most notably centred on the University of Exeter.

“The situation outside of this area is less acute, with fewer people reporting symptoms, although this is expected to change over the weeks and months ahead.”

People who believe they may have  the virus are advised to call the swine flu information line on 08001 513513, or visit www.nhs.uk for general information.

People should only call NHS Direct 0845 4647, or their GP, if they have used these information sources first.

A six-year-old girl has become the latest person to die as a result of swine flu taking the number of UK deaths linked to the virus to 16.

It is also believed the virus has reached Downing Street. It is understood that Gordon Brown’s adviser on climate change, Michael Jacobs, has been infected.

It is thought that he may have contracted the virus during a visit to Mexico.