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Influenza A (H1N1) update
01/10/2009
A range of actions being taken to combat the influenza A (H1N1) outbreak were today outlined as the latest figures on its incidence were published.
This week's figures consist of data from 732 Scottish practices for the first time, compared to 58 practices last week, to allow a more comprehensive picture of consultation rates. Using this data Health Protection Scotland have estimated that the total number of people in Scotland who have contracted H1N1 over the last week is 13,800, approximately double compared to last week.
The new developments are:
- Confirmation from the EU Commission that the GSK vaccine is now officially licensed
- UK Health Ministers have agreed to double ECMO facilities at the UK centre in Leicester
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:
"Today's announcements show that we are continuing to do all we can to minimise the impact of the pandemic.
"The fact that the European Commission has licensed the vaccine means we will be able to start our vaccination programme as soon as vaccines are distributed by the manufacturer and reach GP practices.
"I am also pleased to confirm that all four UK Health Ministers have agreed to a recommendation from the Critical Care Clinical Group that the ECMO facilities at Leicester will be doubled. In Scotland we have our own review group which will consider ECMO provision in the medium to longer term. The group will provide recommendations in due course."
Today's H1N1 figures, published by Health Protection Scotland, are:
- A rate of GP consultations for flu-like illnesses - not necessarily H1N1 - across Scotland of 103.7 per 100,000
- Using the new methodology this represents a 7% increase from last week.
- The number of community samples that tested positive for H1N1 has almost doubled from 17.6 to 34.1 per cent
- These rates suggest that an estimated figure of 4,850 people have consulted their GP
- As of September 30, there have been 188 people with influenza A (H1N1) hospitalised since the start of the outbreak. Fifteen people have required hospital admission in the last week and, as of yesterday, there were 13 in hospital in Scotland
- A patient from NHS Lanarkshire who went to Glenfield Hospital in Leicester has now been transferred back to Glasgow Royal Infirmary
- A Scottish patient who is currently in hospital in Ibiza has been reported as making good progress
- There have been nine deaths linked to influenza A (H1N1) since the start of the outbreak
- There have been no overall increases in school absence levels this past week
Speaking about the weekly reporting figures, Ms Sturgeon said:
"I am pleased that data is now being received from 71 per cent of Scottish practices. This enables us to present more robust GP consultation rates for Scotland and provides a more comprehensive picture.
"The figures show another increase in the number of people consulting their GP with flu-like symptoms over the last week.
"The proportion of samples testing positive for H1N1 and as a result the total estimated cases has significantly increased this week.
"The potential threat from H1N1 remains serious, even if it continues to be a relatively mild virus.
"Vaccination is the best defence we have against the H1N1 virus and Scotland is well prepared for the vaccination programme. It is very good news that the GSK vaccine is now licensed.
"Simple hygiene measures like frequent handwashing and using tissues can do a huge amount to help prevent flu spreading.
"Anyone who is concerned about flu-like symptoms should continue to contact their GP for advice, or NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24."
Rates of GP consultation for flu-like illness per 100,000 population in Scottish NHS Boards*:
Ayrshire and Arran - 47
Borders - 88
Dumfries and Galloway - 68
Fife - 84
Forth Valley - 100
Grampian - 101
Greater Glasgow and Clyde - 139
Highland - 73
Lanarkshire - 133
Lothian - 69
Orkney- 82
Shetland - 158
Tayside - 139
Western Isles - 159
Scotland - 104
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