Ireland 'Not Ready' To Tackle Swine Flu

It has been revealed that the Department of Health do not believe Ireland has all the necessary elements in place to tackle swine flu, should a pandemic emerge.

An internal document at the department last year warned there was a risk to the public due to a lack of cover arrangements in the event of an infectious disease outbreak.

A dispute with the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has led to the lack of weekend or evening cover from specialist public health doctors who are essential to tackling such viruses.

The four cases in Ireland yesterday all returned negative results, but although Ireland remains clear of the virus, it's not clear if the health service is fully capable of dealing with an outbreak.

The Department of Health and Children said yesterday it is likely that following yesterday's raising of the pandemic alert level from III to IV (with a level V probable), the numbers of confirmed cases worldwide will likely continue to increase.

However, a spokesman added the alert level increase was anticipated in the context of the department's own national influenza preparedness.

The spokesman said: "Since receipt of the alert, a range of measures have been put into place in response to the swine flu outbreak.

"The Department is the lead government department for public health emergencies and is following the National Plan for Pandemic Influenza which was put in place in January 2007."

The HSE said today Ireland has been preparing for situations like this for several years, and have robust and detailed plans in place to respond.

"The H1N1 swine flu virus is sensitive to the antiviral drugs of which we have in place ample stockpiles for Ireland," their spokesman said.

The HSE also issued a list of precautions to take to avoid infection:

"If travelling in an affected country, there are certain sensible precautions you can take: Avoid close contact with people who have symptoms such as fever, sneezing, coughing or shivering: Pay close attention to the health messages being broadcast in the country in which you are travelling: As with most infectious diseases it is important to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, or alcohol based hand cleaners."

If you get sick with a flu-like illness, and have recently visited an affected area or have been in contact with a known case of swine flu, the HSE advise you contact your GP or family doctor by telephone where they will decide if you need testing or treatment.

See: Ten Cases Of 'Swine Flu' Test Negative

(DW/BMcc)