Swine flu reported across British Isles
A total of 16 people have been diagnosed with the disease in the UK, Ireland and Scotland
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Sunday, 03, May 2009 10:06
Ireland has announced its first case of swine flu taking the toll of people suffering from the illness in the British Isles to 16.
The person affected with the illness in Ireland has been quarantined and is recovering at home.
Last night, the number of swine flu cases in the UK increased by two after a six-year-old girl and the husband of a woman suffering from the disease were added to the list. Both cases had recently returned from a holiday in Mexico.
Over 630 people in the UK and three in Ireland are undergoing tests to determine whether they have influenza-like symptoms and have contracted the disease.
Health Secretary Alan Johnson said: "We are going to continue to monitor the situation. While we hope for the best we have to prepare for other eventualities and that is what we are doing.
"At the moment the policy is working very well," he added.
In the UK, a total of 12 people have been diagnosed with the disease in Newcastle, Merseyside, Devon, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, London and central Scotland. A further three have contracted the disease in Scotland.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has maintained its alert level at phase five, which is one short of a global outbreak.
The WHO has asked people to delay travel plans and for those affected to seek medical attention. It has not advised restrictions on regular travel or the closure of borders.
A spokesperson said: "There is also no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products.
"Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness."