Listen
Influenza A H1N1 update
15/06/2009
Scotland has no new laboratory confirmed cases of influenza A H1N1.
However, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is now, in certain circumstances, diagnosing patients on the basis of clinical symptoms alone - without laboratory confirmation. This means that there are a further 71 clinically diagnosed cases in this area.
Scotland currently has 498 confirmed cases, plus 71 which have been clinically diagnosed. A further 464 possible cases are under investigation. Nine of the H1N1 cases are in hospital.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:
"As expected, we are continuing to see a significant number of H1N1 cases reported in Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Given the prevalence of the virus in the area, the local health board is now using clinical diagnosis rather than laboratory testing to confirm cases where appropriate.
"NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde will assess the effectiveness of this approach over the next week.
"I'd like to pay tribute to the staff at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde for their efforts in dealing with this outbreak. In particular, I'd like to thank those who worked so hard to save the patient who sadly died yesterday.
"Tragic though her death is, I would like to emphasise that the vast majority of those who have H1N1 are suffering from relatively mild symptoms.
"I would reiterate that the risk to the general public remains low and we can all play our part in slowing the spread of the virus by following simple hygiene procedures - like washing your hands and using tissues when coughing or sneezing."
The breakdown of cases by health board area is:
Confirmed
Ayrshire and Arran - 6
Fife - 7
Forth Valley - 12
Grampian - 2
Greater Glasgow and Clyde - 394
Highland - 126
Lanarkshire - 14
Lothian - 8
Possible
Ayrshire and Arran - 1
Dumfries and Galloway - 1
Fife - 3
Forth Valley - 11
Grampian - 3
Greater Glasgow and Clyde - 349
Highland - 35
Lanarkshire - 53
Lothian - 3
Tayside - 1
Western Isles - 4