West Midlands Prepared

Election night vote chaos report to be published

Secretariat — Thu, 20 May 2010 08:56:50 +0000

The Electoral Commission will publish its interim report later into the chaos which ensued at a string of polling stations on general election day.

Hundreds of people, many of whom had queued for more than an hour before the polls closed, were unable to vote.

Problems were reported in Sheffield, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Newcastle and parts of London.

Most returning officers blamed an unexpectedly high turnout and a late surge in voting.

The Electoral Commission will examine the reasons given by officials for the problems with the 6 May poll.

Police called

BBC political correspondent Mike Sergeant says politicians on all sides were swift to condemn the chaos at many polling stations.

Some of the more alarming scenes were in Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg’s constituency of Sheffield Hallum, where hundreds of students queued for hours but still did not get to vote.

There were more than a dozen reports of police being called in other parts of the country, as most polling stations shut their doors at exactly 2200 BST, which the rules dictated.

But in other areas people were allowed inside - in Lewisham, south London, voting was extended for half an hour.

Among the incidents:

�� Police were called to a polling station in Lewisham where about 300 people had still to vote by 2200 BST

�� In Hackney, east London, angry would-be voters staged a sit-in when polls closed

�� In his Sheffield Hallam constituency, Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg went to offer his apologies to frustrated voters at a polling station in Ranmoor, after they queued for more than three hours

�� Doors were closed on 200 potential voters at Ladybarn in Withington, Manchester

�� In Liverpool, voters were left waiting when one polling station ran out of ballot papers

�� Voters were turned away amid long queues at St Paul’s Church in Birmingham and queues were reported at Mere Green polling station in Sutton Coldfield

�� There were reports of voters being turned away after long queues in Weybridge, Surrey

�� Long queues were reported at two polling stations in Newcastle

It is possible the problems might have affected the result in a few very marginal constituencies, but election re-runs are now considered very unlikely.

Birmingham airport in fresh warning over ash

Secretariat — Wed, 05 May 2010 10:19:58 +0000

People using Birmingham International Airport have been warned some flights may be affected because of risks from volcanic ash.

The disruption is affecting flights to and from the Republic of Ireland and Scotland on Wednesday.

Glasgow, Prestwick and Derry airports are likely to be closed all day.

Birmingham airport said passengers should look at its website or check with their airline for specific flight details.

Plane engines

Inverness airport is closed during the morning only and Belfast in the afternoon.

Last month, volcanic ash clouds from Iceland grounded flights for six days.

The flight ban cost Birmingham airport about ��1.8m in lost revenue, officials said.

On Tuesday, flights in and out of the Irish Republic, Northern Ireland and Scotland’s Hebrides were suspended at the first sign of an increase of volcanic ash levels in the skies.

Flights across Europe were suspended last month because of fears of the effect of volcanic ash on plane engines.

Up to 12,000 properties in Kings Heath lose water

Secretariat — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 09:59:29 +0000

Up to 12,000 properties in Kings Heath lose water Up 12,000 homes, including six schools in Birmingham, have been affected by a burst water main in the city. Severn Trent said the fault, caused by “third party contractor damage”, occurred in Dads Lane, Kings Heath, at about 0900 BST. Supplies were redistributed and everyone affected should be back on by “late lunch time”, a spokeswoman said. Engineers are carrying out repairs. Supplies were affected in south and central Kings Heath and Moseley. ‘Majority back on’ “We received a report of a 12-inch burst water main in Dads Lane at about 9am”, a spokeswoman said. “We think is was down to third party contractor damage. “Potentially about 12,000 people were affected but we don’t think everyone would have had problems. “We looked at ways of redistributing supplies and we hope the majority are back on now or will be within the next hour, by late lunch time. “We had a number of calls and a team is on site carrying out repairs.”

Birmingham Airport reopening delayed further

Secretariat — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 11:58:48 +0000

Birmingham Airport will remain closed until at least 1900 BST as uncertainty over a new ash cloud remains.

Volcanic ash drifting from Iceland prompted a UK-wide ban last Thursday.

Earlier, it was thought the ban at Birmingham might be lifted by lunchtime on Tuesday, but the new ash cloud is causing doubts.

The European Gymnastics Championships in the city is going ahead as competitors endured long journeys across Europe to arrive.

Organisers delayed the start by 24 hours, to Thursday, and made arrangements to collect competitors from UK ports and bring them to Birmingham.

‘Likely to change’

Some teams travelled for 24 hours, with the Finnish team driving from Helsinki to Calais, a distance of 2,209 km (1,373 miles).

Twenty-three of the 40 competing teams have managed to make the journey so far.

Some airports across the UK are reopening.

The air traffic control body Nats said that based on the latest Met Office information, Aberdeen, Inverness and Edinburgh airports would be operational from 1300 to 1900 BST on Tuesday. Newcastle Airport should also have flights.

“We will continue to monitor Met Office information and the situation is likely to change during the course of the day,” a statement said.

Weekly pandemic flu media update - 12th November 2009

Secretariat — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:42:21 +0000

KEY POINTS

The consultation rate for flu-like illness in England from the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) scheme decreased to 36.0 per 100,000 in week 45 compared to 37.7 in week 44.

The main burden of flu-like illness nationally in week 45 is in the <1 and 1-4 years age groups.

This week, the antiviral collection numbers in the National Pandemic Flu Service decreased in all age groups.

The recent half-term school holidays may have continued to influence the figures this week, and so it is difficult to predict future trends.

Interpretation of data to produce estimates on the number of new cases continues to be subject to a considerable amount of uncertainty. HPA modelling gives an estimate of 64,000 new cases in England last week (range 32,000 to 140,000). This represents an 24% decrease on the previous week.
This estimate incorporates data from National Pandemic Flu Service and GP consultations.

The HPA estimates a cumulative total number of cases of 668,000 (with a range 313,000 to 1,382,000 since the pandemic began.

Following the move from laboratory testing for confirmation of swine flu to clinical diagnosis of cases, the level of flu in the community is being monitored using a range of surveillance mechanisms, including the RCGP consultation rates, QSurveillance, and the National Pandemic Flu Service.

Following the move from laboratory testing for confirmation of swine flu to clinical diagnosis of cases, the level of flu in the community is being monitored using a range of surveillance mechanisms, including the RCGP consultation rates, QSurveillance, and the National Pandemic Flu Service.A more detailed UK weekly epidemiology update can be accessed at:
www.hpa.org.uk/swineflu/surveillance&epidemiology

Following the move from laboratory testing for confirmation of swine flu to clinical diagnosis of cases, the level of flu in the community is being monitored using a range of surveillance mechanisms, including the RCGP consultation rates, QSurveillance, and the National Pandemic Flu Service.A more detailed UK weekly epidemiology update can be accessed at:CLINICAL INDICATORS
Clinical data are obtained from GP surgeries that report the weekly and daily consultations for flu-like illness and other acute respiratory illness.

Following the move from laboratory testing for confirmation of swine flu to clinical diagnosis of cases, the level of flu in the community is being monitored using a range of surveillance mechanisms, including the RCGP consultation rates, QSurveillance, and the National Pandemic Flu Service.A more detailed UK weekly epidemiology update can be accessed at:Clinical data are obtained from GP surgeries that report the weekly and daily consultations for flu-like illness and other acute respiratory illness.Current estimated weekly Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) consultation rates of flu-like illness

Following the move from laboratory testing for confirmation of swine flu to clinical diagnosis of cases, the level of flu in the community is being monitored using a range of surveillance mechanisms, including the RCGP consultation rates, QSurveillance, and the National Pandemic Flu Service.A more detailed UK weekly epidemiology update can be accessed at:Clinical data are obtained from GP surgeries that report the weekly and daily consultations for flu-like illness and other acute respiratory illness.From a network of approximately 100 general practices covering a population of approximately 900,000 with an equal distribution within each of three defined reporting regions; North, Central and South.

In week 45 (ending 8 November) GP consultation rates for flu-like illness in England have shown a small decrease compared to the previous week (37.7 per 100,000 in week 44 to 36.0 per 100,000 in week 45) which is still above the English baseline threshold of 30/100,000.

Figure 1: Current estimated weekly RCGP consultation rates of flu-like illness

QSurveillance
Set up by the University of Nottingham and EMIS (the main supplier of general practice computer systems within the UK) in collaboration with the Health Protection Agency. QSurveillance is a not-for-profit network over 3,300 general practices covering a total population of almost 22 million patients (> 25% of the UK population).

The weekly QSurveillance flu-like illness consultation rate showed a slight decrease from 48.5 per 100,000 in week 44.to 47.2 per 100,000 in week 45. The weekly rate for flu-like illness in all SHA regions and all age groups showed a mixed picture with some increasing and others decreasing.

NB: QSurveillance is based on data from 43% of England’s population (about 3000 practices), 10% of the population in Wales, 17% in Northern Ireland, and 0% in Scotland.

Figure 2: QSurveillance - weekly consultation rate for flu-like illness in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (all ages)

Figure 3: QSurveillance - weekly consultation rate for influenza-like illness by English SHA (all ages)

Figure 4: QSurveillance influenza-like illness rate by age band in week 45 (ending 8 November)

The latest weekly flu-like illness rates show that the highest flu-like illness consultation rates were in the <1 and 1-4 year-old age groups. Compared with week 44 this week (week 45) rates have increased in the 15-24 and all 45+ age bands but decreased in all <15 years age bands.

SYNDROMIC SURVEILLANCE

NHS Direct
On 23 July the National Pandemic Flu Service was implemented. This had an impact on the number of ‘cold/flu’ calls received through the routine NHS Direct service. For this reason, data from NHS Direct do not reflect the true pattern of cold/ flu callers and so are not currently an accurate surveillance tool.

VIRAL CHARACTERISTICS

To date (as of 11 November 2009) 2,834 viruses have been analysed by the Centre for Infections for the genetic marker commonly associated with resistance to oseltamivir in seasonal H1N1 flu (H274Y). Six viruses have been found to carry this marker in the UK. In addition, 293 specimens have been fully tested for susceptibility.

The Agency is continually assessing its advice to government on health protection policies such as antiviral use. Currently there is no requirement to change existing guidance.

There have been no significant changes in the virus.

SEVERITY

Disease severity continues to be monitored. The disease is generally mild in most people so far, but is proving severe in a small minority of cases.

Swine flu hospitalisations in England: 785 patients (currently hospitalised as of 8am on 11 November).

Deaths - the number of deaths related to swine flu in England is 124 (This figure represents the number of deaths in individuals with swine flu but does not represent the number of deaths that can be attributed to swine flu).

INTERNATIONAL SUMMARY

Confirmed global deaths reported by ECDC (Update 17:00 CEST 11 November 2009)

Total deaths reported 6,592

In the last 7 days, the total number of deaths reported globally has increased by 5% - the same increase as reported last week.

NB: Laboratory confirmed case numbers are no longer being reported for most countries as they do not give a representative view of the actual number of cases worldwide.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported on 6 November that for:

Tropical regions: active influenza transmission and increasing levels of respiratory disease continue to be reported in parts of the Caribbean, with most other countries in the tropical region of Central and South America reporting declining activity. Transmission continues to decline in most parts of tropical South and Southeast Asia. Unconfirmed media reports suggest increased disease activity in sub-Saharan Africa.

Temperate northern hemisphere regions: intense and persistent influenza activity continues be reported in North America without evidence of a peak in activity. Rates of influenza like illness, proportions of samples positive for influenza, and numbers of outbreaks in educational settings continue to increase in Canada with activity spreading eastward. Significantly more cases of pandemic H1N1 have been reported in Mexico since September than were observed during the initial springtime epidemic.

In Europe and Central and Western Asia: influenza activity continues to increase signalling an unusually early start to the winter influenza season. Active circulation of the pandemic virus was reported in Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and Germany. Increasing transmission was also reported across Northern and Eastern Europe, and Eastern Russia. In Western Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean Region increasing activity has been reported in Oman and Afghanistan.

In East Asia: intense and increasing influenza activity continues to be reported in Mongolia. Sharp increases in pandemic influenza activity continue to be reported throughout Japan.
More information on the latest global situation can be found on the WHO website at: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_11_06/en/index.html

ENDS

Notes to editors
General infection control practices and good respiratory hand hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including swine flu. This includes:

Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of virus from your hands to face or to other people.

Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.

Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible.

Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.

Making sure your children follow this advice.

Further information on swine flu is available on the Health Protection Agency’s website at www.hpa.org.uk/swineflu.

For media enquiries only please contact the Health Protection Agency’s Centre for Infections press office on:

020 8327 7080
020 8327 7097
020 8327 7098
020 8327 6690
020 8327 6647

Last reviewed: 12 November 2009

Weekly pandemic flu media update - 29th October 2009

Secretariat — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:28:12 +0000

KEY POINTS

The flu-like illness rate in England from the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) scheme increased to 42.8 per 100,000 in week 43 compared to 39.1 in week 42. An increase was seen in all age groups.

The main burden of flu-like illness nationally is in the 1-4 and 5-14 years age groups.

This week, the antiviral collection numbers in the National Pandemic Flu Service have continued to increase and this has been seen in all age groups. The largest increase (49%) in week 43, compared with week 42, was seen in the 1-4 year olds.

Interpretation of data to produce estimates on the number of new cases continues to be subject to a considerable amount of uncertainty. HPA modelling gives an estimate of 78,000 new cases in England last week (range 39,000 to 169,000). This represents a 56% increase on the previous week.
This estimate incorporates data from National Pandemic Flu Service and GP consultations.

The HPA estimates a cumulative total number of cases of 521,000 since the pandemic began.

Following the move from laboratory testing for confirmation of swine flu to clinical diagnosis of cases, the level of flu in the community is being monitored using a range of surveillance mechanisms, including the RCGP consultation rates, QSurveillance, and the National Pandemic Flu Service.

Following the move from laboratory testing for confirmation of swine flu to clinical diagnosis of cases, the level of flu in the community is being monitored using a range of surveillance mechanisms, including the RCGP consultation rates, QSurveillance, and the National Pandemic Flu Service.A more detailed UK weekly epidemiology update can be accessed at:
www.hpa.org.uk/swineflu/surveillance&epidemiology

Following the move from laboratory testing for confirmation of swine flu to clinical diagnosis of cases, the level of flu in the community is being monitored using a range of surveillance mechanisms, including the RCGP consultation rates, QSurveillance, and the National Pandemic Flu Service.A more detailed UK weekly epidemiology update can be accessed at:CLINICAL INDICATORS
Clinical data are obtained from GP surgeries that report the weekly and daily consultations for flu-like illness and other acute respiratory illness.

Current estimated weekly Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) consultation rates of flu-like illness

From a network of approximately 100 general practices covering a population of approximately 900,000 with an equal distribution within each of three defined reporting regions; North, Central and South.

In week 43 (ending 25 October) GP consultation rates for flu-like illness in England increased compared to the previous week (39.1 per 100,000 in week 42 to 42.8 per 100,000 in week 43). This is now above the baseline threshold of 30/100,000.

Figure 1: Current estimated weekly RCGP consultation rates of flu-like illness

QSurveillance
Set up by the University of Nottingham and EMIS (the main supplier of general practice computer systems within the UK) in collaboration with the Health Protection Agency. QSurveillance is a not-for-profit network over 3,300 general practices covering a total population of almost 22 million patients (> 25% of the UK population).

The weekly QSurveillance flu-like illness consultation rate continued to show a gradual rise from 37.4 per 100,000 in week 42 to 49.2 per 100,000 in week 43. The weekly rate for flu-like illness in all SHA regions and all age groups also showed a continuing rise.

NB: QSurveillance is based on data from 43% of England’s population (about 3000 practices), 10% of the population in Wales, 17% in Northern Ireland, and 0% in Scotland.

Figure 2: QSurveillance - weekly consultation rate for flu-like illness in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (all ages)

Figure 3: QSurveillance - weekly consultation rate for influenza-like illness by English SHA (all ages)

Figure 4: QSurveillance influenza-like illness rate by age band in week 43 (ending 25 October)

The latest weekly flu-like illness rates show that the highest flu-like illness consultation rates were in the 1-4 and 5-14 year-old age groups. Compared with week 42 this week (week 43) rates have increased in all age groups, particularly in the <1 (40.0 to 67.3 per 100,000) and 1-4 year olds (54.2 to 89.4 per 100,000)

SYNDROMIC SURVEILLANCE

NHS Direct
On 23 July the National Pandemic Flu Service was implemented. This had an impact on the number of ‘cold/flu’ calls received through the routine NHS Direct service. For this reason, data from NHS Direct do not reflect the true pattern of cold/ flu callers and so are not currently an accurate surveillance tool.

VIRAL CHARACTERISTICS

To date (as of 28 October 2009) 2,050 viruses have been analysed by the Centre for Infections for the genetic marker commonly associated with resistance to oseltamivir in seasonal H1N1 flu (H274Y). Three viruses have been found to carry this marker in the UK. In addition, 292 specimens have been fully tested for susceptibility.

The Agency is continually assessing its advice to government on health protection policies such as antiviral use. Currently there is no requirement to change existing guidance.

There have been no significant changes in the virus.

SEVERITY
Disease severity continues to be monitored. The disease is generally mild in most people so far, but is proving severe in a small minority of cases.

Swine flu hospitalisations in England: 751 patients (currently hospitalised as of 8am on 28 October).

Deaths - the number of deaths related to swine flu in England is 97 (This figure represents the number of deaths in individuals with swine flu but does not represent the number of deaths that can be attributed to swine flu).

INTERNATIONAL SUMMARY

Confirmed global deaths reported by ECDC (Update 17:00 CEST 28 October 2009)

Total deaths reported 5,938

In the last 7 days, the total number of deaths reported globally has increased by 12% - similar to the 13% increase reported last week.

NB: Laboratory confirmed case numbers are no longer being reported for most countries as they do not give a representative view of the actual number of cases worldwide.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported on 23 October that for:

Tropical regions: influenza activity has declined in most countries.

Temperate southern hemisphere regions: no significant pandemic related activity has been reported from these regions in the past week.

Temperate northern hemisphere regions: respiratory disease activity continues to spread and increase in intensity. Only East Asia is currently reporting any significant numbers of influenza A (H3N2) isolates.

This update summarises information published by WHO about the latest global situation and is also published on the HPA website at http://www.hpa.org.uk/HPA/Topics/InfectiousDiseases/InfectionsAZ/1251473469008/

ENDS

Notes to editors
General infection control practices and good respiratory hand hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including swine flu. This includes:

Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of virus from your hands to face or to other people.

Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.

Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible.

Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.

Making sure your children follow this advice.

Further information on swine flu is available on the Health Protection Agency’s website at www.hpa.org.uk/swineflu.

For media enquiries only please contact the Health Protection Agency’s Centre for Infections press office on:

020 8327 7080
020 8327 7097
020 8327 7098
020 8327 6690
020 8327 6647

Last reviewed: 29 October 2009

E Coli 0157 in Surrey: Update

Secretariat — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 10:45:11 +0000

20 September 2009

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) reports that the total number of cases of E Coli O157 linked to Godstone Farm in Surrey is 64.

Nine children remain in hospital all of whom are described today as stable and improving. None are seriously ill.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

E coli 0157 bacteria usually cause diarrhoea which settles within seven days without treatment. The diarrhoea may contain blood. Occasionally, serious kidney and blood complications can occur. Good hygiene is very important in preventing person-to person spread and small children should be supervised with hand washing after using the toilet and before eating.

Escherichia coli (commonly referred to as E. coli) is a species of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. There are many different types of E. coli, and while some live in the intestine quite harmlessly, others may cause a variety of diseases. The bacterium is found in faeces and can survive in the environment.

To avoid getting strains capable of causing intestinal disease people should avoid eating undercooked meat, in particular inadequately cooked minced beef and avoid drinking unpasteurised milk. Individuals working with uncooked meats or on farms should pay close attention to good hygiene practices, as should visitors to farms.

It is important to always wash your hands with soap after going to the toilet and before and after handling food.

Hand washing in young children should be supervised, especially after handling animals or their surroundings, for instance on a visit to a farm.

More information: http://www.hpa.org.uk/ecoliVTEC

Last reviewed: 20 September 2009

National Pandemic Flu Service goes online

Secretariat — Mon, 29 Nov 1999 23:00:00 +0000

23 July 2009 A new self-care service which will give people with pandemic swine flu symptoms fast access to information and antivirals was launched today by Health Secretary, Andy Burnham. The National Pandemic Flu Service is a new dedicated website and phoneline (0800 1 513 100 or 0800 1 513 200 (Textphone)) for people to check their symptoms and get a unique number which will give them access to antivirals if necessary. People who have swine flu symptoms will be given a unique access number and told where their nearest antiviral collection point is. They should then ask a flu friend - a friend or relative who doesn’t have swine flu - to go and pick up their antivirals. The flu friend must show their own ID as well as that of the patient. The authorisation number and ID information will be checked to ensure it matches the information provided when the assessment of symptoms was completed. Anyone who suspects they have swine flu must not go to their GP or Accident and Emergency. People should contact their doctor direct rather than using the National Pandemic Flu Service if: they have a serious underlying illness, they are pregnant, they have a sick child under one year old, their condition suddenly gets much worse, or if their condition is still getting worse after 7 days (5 for a child) Andy Burnham said: ‘The National Pandemic Flu Service will give patients access to information and antivirals as quickly as possible. It will free up GP’s so they can focus their efforts on helping those in at risk groups and patients with other illnesses. ‘The National Pandemic Flu Service will give patients access to information and antivirals as quickly as possible. It will free up GP’s so they can focus their efforts on helping those in at risk groups and patients with other illnesses.’ Andy Burnham, Health Secretary ‘People can still speak to their GP if they are concerned. In fact - it is important to stress that people with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, and parents with children under the age of one should speak to their GP if they have symptoms. ‘For the vast majority of people, swine flu has been mild. Some people find that they get better by staying in bed, drinking plenty of water and taking over the counter flu medication.’ Up to two thousand call operators will be trained for a minimum of three hours. Less experienced call operators will be trained for a day. Strict industry standard regulations are in place when employing staff. These include the right to work in the UK (therefore no illegal immigrants), satisfactory employment references and satisfactory character references. Doctors from the Royal College of General Practitioners will have a special liaison role with each of these call centres and will feed back problems or concerns that arise during the operation of service. As swine flu spreads, it is important to be able to recognise its symptoms. People who have any of the following symptoms and a temperature of 38 C and above or feels hot may have swine flu. The typical symptoms are: sudden fever (a high body temperature of 38C/100.4F or above), and sudden cough. Other symptoms may include: headache, tiredness, chills, aching muscles, limb or joint pain, diarrhoea or stomach upset, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, and loss of appetite.

The World Health Organisation has declared a swine flu pandemic, raising its alert level to the maximum of six.

Secretariat — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 08:13:19 +0000

The World Health Organisation has declared a swine flu pandemic, raising its alert level to the maximum of six.

It does not mean the virus has become more deadly, just that its geographical spread is now global.

The WHO warned that countries already hit by the virus should prepare for a “second wave” of cases.

The number of infections has climbed in the United States, Europe, Australia, South America and elsewhere.

It is the first global pandemic for 41 years.

The virus first emerged in Mexico in April and has now spread to 74 countries with a reported 28,774 cases and 144 deaths, according to WHO’s latest tally of laboratory-confirmed infections.

Twenty-five new cases have been confirmed in the UK, bringing the total number to 822. There have been no deaths.

A Department of Health spokesperson said: “The localised cases of swine flu found in the UK have so far been generally mild in most people, but are proving to be severe in a small minority of cases.

“We are continuing to work to slow the spread of the disease and to put in place arrangements to ensure that the UK is well-placed to deal with this new infection.”

In a statement to member countries, the WHO said it decided to raise the pandemic alert level from phase five to six.

The decision was made after the UN health agency held an emergency meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, on swine flu with its experts.

Moving to phase six will trigger a large scale production of vaccines and prompt governments to devote more money towards efforts to contain the virus.

It will also raise questions about why the step was delayed for weeks as the virus continued to spread.

The WHO has urged countries not to close borders or restrict travel and trade.

It said: “At this early stage, the pandemic can be characterised globally as being moderate in severity. We remain in close dialogue with influenza vaccine manufacturers.”

According to the WHO’s own pandemic criteria, a global outbreak means a new flu virus is spreading in at least two world regions.

Sky’s health correspondent Thomas Moore said any move to declare a pandemic did not mean the virus itself was growing in potency.

He explained: “This is a marker if you like of geographical spread. It’s not an indication that the virus is becoming more severe.”

GlaxoSmithKline is already working with a key ingredient of the swine flu vaccine to see how quickly doses can be produced.

And other major pharmaceuticals like Sanofi Pasteur have also been working on a vaccine after WHO gave them a “seed stock” of the virus last month.

However, drug giants say it could take up to six months before large amounts of a swine flu vaccine are available.

Swine Influenza

Secretariat — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:08:56 +0000

Swine flu is a respiratory illness caused by the type A flu (H1N1) virus. The latest outbreaks in countries around the world have been caused by a new version (strain) of the virus.Transmission of this new virus is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu. The infection can be effectively treated with antiviral medication. Most reported cases outside of Mexico have been mild and people have recovered fully after treatment.

The Health Protection Agency is monitoring this situation closely. When cases of swine flu are suspected the HPA works with NHS colleagues and patients to collect samples, conduct testing and provide advice on medication and other public health activities.

Further information is available in this section of the website (see ‘Topics menu’ on the right), with specific areas for the general public, healthcare professionals, and the press and media.

Last updated:9 June 2009

Table showing number of new cases and total number of cases.

Region where sample was tested *

Confirmed new cases for June 09 2009

Total confirmed cases as at June 09 2009

East of England
-

43

East Midlands
-

11

London
4

125

North East
2

8

North West
-

16

South East
-

72

South West
-

13

West Midlands
3

142

Yorkshire & Humber
-

5

TOTAL ENGLAND

9

435

Northern Ireland
-

6

Scotland
-

232

Wales
-

2

TOTAL UK

9

675

*New testing arrangements mean that the regional breakdown of figures reflects the regional laboratory where samples are tested which may not always be in the region where the patient lives (as a result there may be some small variations in regional figures as cases are reassigned to their home regions).

504 cases are currently under laboratory investigation in the UK. These cases change on a daily basis on account of some of those under assessment being discounted and new ones being introduced. This figure is correct at the time stated.

Recent Updates

09 June 2009: Swine-lineage Influenza A H1N1 UK epidemiology - latest summary of UK cases

09 June 2009: Update on confirmed swine flu cases

05 June 2009:
Summary of prescribing guidance for the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza-likeillness: CONTAINMENT PHASE (PDF, 335 KB)
Update

03 June 2009:
Standard practical advice for investigating individuals with possible swine influenza infection (PDF, 269 KB)
Update

03 June 2009:
Algorithm S5(a) (PDF, 73 KB)

03 June 2009:
Algorithm S5(b) (PDF, 68 KB)

Region where sample was tested *	Confirmed new cases for June 09 2009	Total confirmed cases as at June 09 2009
East of England	-	43
East Midlands	-	11
London	4	125
North East	2	8
North West	-	16
South East	-	72
South West	-	13
West Midlands	3	142
Yorkshire & Humber	-	5
TOTAL ENGLAND	9	435
Northern Ireland	-	6
Scotland	-	232
Wales	-	2
TOTAL UK	9	675