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Update on A (H1N1) virus
01/06/2009
Scotland's confirmed number of cases of influenza A (H1N1) has risen to 42, test results have confirmed.
Eighteen of today's 23 new confirmed cases are in Dunoon, Argyll. Thirteen relate to passengers on a football supporters' bus who reported symptoms following the Dundee United-Rangers match on Sunday, May 24.
Another two from the bus are confirmed cases in Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Ayrshire and Arran. Another seven cases are contacts of people from the bus.
A further two of the new confirmed cases in Greater Glasgow and Clyde and one case in Ayrshire and Arran are also connected to the Dunoon cluster.
In addition, a pupil of Eton College who returned to Edinburgh last week has also been confirmed as positive.
The quick identification of new confirmed cases is partly due to detailed genetic testing to confirm probable cases now being carried out in Glasgow, rather than having to be sent to the Health Protection Agency's Colindale laboratory for verification.
Three cases connected to a 37-year-old man who remains in a critical but stable condition in Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary remain probable, because their tests were sent to Colindale last week and await verification.
This means Scotland now has a total of:
- 42 confirmed cases, seven travel-related and 35 non travel-related
- Three probable cases, all non travel-related
- 34 possible cases - four travel-related and 30 non travel-related
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:
"Despite this sizeable increase in confirmed cases, there is still absolutely no need for the public to be concerned.
"Most are showing very mild symptoms and people should therefore continue taking sensible hygiene precautions to ensure preventable spread of the virus is minimised.
"We are still focused on limiting the spread of the virus where possible, but we have always said that this strategy would have to evolve as the extent of infection changed.
"We are probably at a stage where containment will not stop the spread, but it can slow down the virus, allowing us to buy time for our other preparations to be fully in place in case we see more widespread cases later in the year.
"To help public health officials across Scotland to respond to the anticipated rise in the number of cases, we have established a Flu Response Control Centre.
"Bringing together expertise from NHS 24, Health Protection Scotland, Scottish Government and health board officials, it will provide additional resources to support public health teams on the ground."
It was also confirmed that St Bride's Primary School, Craigie Street, Glasgow was attended by one of today's probable cases of Influenza A(H1N1).
The pupil was not symptomatic while at school and therefore, following a full risk assessment, the school will remain fully open.
There are no possible cases being investigated at this primary school at present.
Parents of the pupils at the school will be receiving a letter advising them of this fact this afternoon.
Board breakdown of confirmed cases:
Ayrshire and Arran - 2
Forth Valley - 6
Greater Glasgow and Clyde - 14
Highland - 18
Lothian - 2
Scotland Total - 42
Board breakdown of probable cases:
Greater Glasgow and Clyde - 3
Board breakdown of possible cases:
Ayrshire and Arran - 2
Forth Valley - 1
Greater Glasgow and Clyde - 9
Highland - 20
Lothian - 2
Scotland Total - 34