Regional swine flu case tally has reached 50 (From Chelmsford Weekly News)

Regional swine flu case tally has reached 50

8:00pm Monday 15th June 2009

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THE number of swine flu cases in East Anglia has reached 50.

Health officials in Essex insist there is still no need for panic, even though the virus has now claimed its first British life.

Jaqueline Fleming, 38, died at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley, Scotland.

She had been suffering from underlying health problems and had recently given birth.

So far, three adults and one child from north-east Essex have been diagnosed with swine flu.

All four have been treated with Tamiflu anti-viral medication.

The total number of cases in Essex stands at 16.

Health chiefs say there is enough Tamiflu to continue to treat anyone displaying symptoms and there were no plans to ration the treatment if outbreaks should escalate across the county.

The latest case of swine flu was reported by a Clacton schoolgirl. The youngster, who attends Great Bentley Primary School, developed signs of the illness while on holiday.

She and her family have been given anti-viral drugs.

Essex County Council spokeswoman Katie Canning said: “Although the World Health Organisation has increased its pandemic alert level to six, there is no change in the day-to-day operations for children’s services, including schools, group early-years and childcare settings or children’s social care.

“Schools are continuing to operate as normal and are being provided with guidance to give staff, pupils and parents.

“All schools in Essex are fully aware of the latest advice from the local Health Protection Agency and will be complying with Government and local authority guidelines to ensure the highest level of cleaning and hygiene are promoted at school.”

Dr Mike Gogarty, director of public health for NHS North East Essex, said: “There are simple steps everyone can take to help prevent catching colds and flu, based on good respiratory and hand hygiene.

“Always use a tissue to catch your sneezes, throw away used tissues where germs can linger and regularly wash your hands.”

Anyone who is concerned about swine flu, or thinks they may have contracted it, should contact their GP practice by telephone or ring NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or log on to www.nhs.uk

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