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28/04/2009
Swine Flu Alert Level Increased After Irish Cases
Four Irish people have been tested for swine flu as concerns of a global pandemic grew.
Samples from the four were being tested in Dublin yesterday as the first European cases were confirmed.
In response to the increase in cases, the World Health Organization (WHO) has raised its influenza pandemic alert from level three to level four, which means they have verified evidence of human-to-human transmission.
According to WHO, the ability to cause sustained disease outbreaks in a community marks a significant upwards shift in the risk for a pandemic.
"Any country that suspects or has verified such an event should urgently consult with WHO so that the situation can be jointly assessed and a decision made by the affected country if implementation of a rapid pandemic containment operation is warranted."
Ireland's Chief Medical Officer, Tony Holohan, said yesterday that he believed it was "probable" there would be confirmed cases here.
The new strain of influenza involved in the current outbreak is believed to be an assortment of several strains of influenza that are separately endemic in humans and in swine.
The symptoms of are similar to those of influenza and of flu-like illness in general. The virus is not believed to pose any substantially higher risk of fatality than the common flu, but scientists are concerned that a widespread infection could lead to further mutations by the strain and lead to a more deadly version of the disease.
(DW/BMcC)
Samples from the four were being tested in Dublin yesterday as the first European cases were confirmed.
In response to the increase in cases, the World Health Organization (WHO) has raised its influenza pandemic alert from level three to level four, which means they have verified evidence of human-to-human transmission.
According to WHO, the ability to cause sustained disease outbreaks in a community marks a significant upwards shift in the risk for a pandemic.
"Any country that suspects or has verified such an event should urgently consult with WHO so that the situation can be jointly assessed and a decision made by the affected country if implementation of a rapid pandemic containment operation is warranted."
Ireland's Chief Medical Officer, Tony Holohan, said yesterday that he believed it was "probable" there would be confirmed cases here.
The new strain of influenza involved in the current outbreak is believed to be an assortment of several strains of influenza that are separately endemic in humans and in swine.
The symptoms of are similar to those of influenza and of flu-like illness in general. The virus is not believed to pose any substantially higher risk of fatality than the common flu, but scientists are concerned that a widespread infection could lead to further mutations by the strain and lead to a more deadly version of the disease.
(DW/BMcC)
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Ireland WeatherToday:A dry day with long spells of sunshine for most, however eastern coasts will see rather more in the way of cloud at times, with just the risk of an odd light morning shower. Mainly light northerly winds. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:A fine end to the day with some evening sunshine. It remains dry overnight with a touch of frost possible in places, although cloud is expected to increase towards dawn. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
