Swine flu: First human-to-human transfer in UK
Swine flu: First human to human transfer in UK
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The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said the spread of swine flu is showing no signs of slowing down. |  |
Friday, 01, May 2009 06:15
A 24-year-old man has become the first person in the UK to contract swine flu from another human being.
Graeme Pacitti is thought to have contracted the virus from his friend Iain Askham, who had recently travelled to Mexico on his honeymoon.
Iain and Dawn Askham were recently released from hospital after becoming the first people in the UK to be officially diagnosed with the virus.
Mr Pacitti is currently at home in Falkirk having been issued with anti-virals. He is reported as complaining of "mild flu".
The Askhams are being represented by PR guru Max Clifford and today comments from the couple have been released following their discharge from hospital.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Mr Askham said he had feared for his life after being diagnosed with the virus which is thought to have killed over 160 people in Mexico.
"You try to stay calm but at the back of your mind there is the possibility that you might die," he said.
There are currently eleven confirmed cases of swine flu in the UK, with another 642 under investigation.