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Update on A (H1N1) virus
31/05/2009
A further two cases of influenza A (H1N1) have been confirmed in Scotland today by Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon.
The newly confirmed cases are from the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board area. They are the 13 year old son of the 37 year old male who remains in a critical but stable condition in the Victoria Infirmary in Glasgow and a five year old child from his contact group.
In addition there are six new probable cases under inviestigation in the Highland Health Board area. One of these cases involves a 13 year old girl who attended classes at Dunoon Grammar School on Friday May 29 while symptomatic.
A full risk assessment has been carried out and the decision has been taken not to close the school at this time. However all S3 pupils are being kept at home as a precaution and close contacts of the 13 year old are being given antivirals.
However, this situation will be kept under review and parents will be given all appropriate advice.
This means the total numbers of Scottish cases are:
- 19 confirmed cases
- 12 probable cases
- 23 possible cases
The 12 probable cases under investigation in Scotland are all non travel related and are located in Greater Glasgow and Clyde (3), Lothian (1) and Highland (8) NHS Board areas.
There are 23 possible cases under investigation today - Ayrshie and Arran (1), Greater Glasgow and Clyde (5), Highland (16) and Tayside (1) NHS Boards. Two are travel related and 21 are non-travel related.
Ms Sturgeon said:
"While this is clearly a difficult time for the family concerned, I would like to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains low.
"Robust risk assessments have been undertaken with regard to the school involved and the decision has been taken that it will remain open. However, the situation is being kept under close review.
"We are continuing to take all possible steps to limit the spread of the virus and our efforts so far have proven to be successful.
""Most people have had only a mild reaction and the risk to the general public remains low.
"But this does not mean that we should not remain vigilant and I would continue to encourage everyone to adopt simple hygiene precautions."