Listen
Influenza A (H1N1) update
16/07/2009
The latest figures about the incidence of influenza A (H1N1) in Scotland since a change to the reporting system show that during the last week levels of illness due to the virus remain relatively low.
Today's findings are:
- A rate of GP consultations for flu-like illness - not necessarily H1N1 - across Scotland of 25 per 100,000
- Thirteen per cent of community samples tested were positive for H1N1
- There have been 44 people with influenza A (H1N1) hospitalised since the start of the outbreak. Two are in hospital as of today
- There have been three deaths linked to influenza A (H1N1) since the start of the outbreak, including the death of a patient yesterday
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:
"Today's figures show that H1N1 continues to circulate in Scotland but overall levels of illness which may be due to this virus remain relatively low and we continue to monitor the situation carefully.
"The new reporting system is still in its early stages, but already is giving us a very helpful picture of how the virus is affecting Scotland. In the weeks to come, the figures will become even more robust.
"The H1N1 virus continues to be mild and most people are making a full recovery within a short space of time.
"Nonetheless, NHS Scotland is doing its utmost to ensure that anyone who may be at greater risk gets the help and treatment they need as quickly as possible."
Ms Sturgeon said that unlike England, Scotland is not launching the National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) at this stage because NHS 24 and GPs are still able to cope with demand.
She said:
"We are closely monitoring the situation and if demand grows over the next few months, we have the ability to opt into the NPFS service at a later stage.
"A separate Scottish flu response service was set up on 1 June by NHS 24. The staffing in it has grown to keep pace with the growth in flu cases.
"It is now dealing with typically 500 callers a day who believe they have flu symptoms and giving recorded advice to a similar number.
"The assessment undertaken is similar to the service just announced in England.
"People in Scotland who are worried about flu-like symptoms should continue to contact their GP or NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24."
It has also been announced that a woman who had been suffering from H1N1 died in hospital in Inverness yesterday. The tourist, who was admitted to Raigmore Hospital more than three weeks ago, had underlying medical conditions.
The woman is the third person to die in Scotland who had been suffering from A(H1N1). At the family's request, no further details will be released.
Ms Sturgeon said:
"This woman's death is a tragedy for her family and friends and I'd like to express my sincere condolences.
"As we have seen in previous cases, this patient was suffering from underlying health conditions and her death should not cause alarm among the general population.
"Fortunately, the vast majority of those who have H1N1 suffer relatively mild symptoms and make a full recovery. The latest figures for Scotland also show that, while the virus continues to circulate, the rates remain relatively low."
Rates of GP consultation for flu-like illness per 100,000 population in Scottish NHS Boards* :
- Ayrshire and Arran - less than 10
- Borders - less than 10
- Dumfries and Galloway - less than 10
- Fife - 20
- Forth Valley - 30
- Grampian - 40
- Greater Glasgow and Clyde - 25
- Highland - 25
- Lanarkshire - 25
- Lothian - 20
- Shetland - 60
- Tayside - 75
- Scotland - 25
* These figures are based on relatively small sample sizes, particularly in smaller boards, so should be interpreted with caution.
Data is not yet available for NHS Orkney or NHS Western Isles. Information for these boards will appear from next week.
Population figures per board area, mid-year 2008 estimates (GROS).
- NHS Board areas Population size
- Ayrshire & Arran 367,510
- Borders 112,430
- Dumfries & Galloway 148,580
- Fife 361,815
- Forth Valley 290,047
- Grampian 539,630
- Greater Glasgow & Clyde 1,194,675
- Highland 309,900
- Lanarkshire 561,174
- Lothian 817,727
- Orkney 19,890
- Shetland 21,980
- Tayside 396,942
- Western Isles 26,200
- Scotland 5,168,500