SWINE FLU CASES IN EPPING FOREST INCREASING

The number of people who have contracted Swine Flu in West Essex, which covers Epping Forest, Harlow and Uttlesford has increased to six, the West Essex NHS Trust have confirmed. The potentially deadly H1N1 virus has previously been found in a couple from North Weald who had been on holiday in America. So far 3 people have been killed in the UK and 332 people worldwide.

This information has been released on the same day the Health Secretary, Andy Burnham MP, has said the Government expects 100,000 new cases of swine flu to be diagnosed each day by the end of August. He stated: "Cases are doubling every week and on this trend we could see over 100,000 cases per day by the end of August." He also confirmed there were now 7,447 confirmed cases of swine flu in the UK and a significant number of people had been hospitalised, but also stated that the UK would have 60milion doses of vaccine available by the end of the year. In the last week, the virus has hit high-profile events including Glastonbury and Wimbledon where 28 staff members have been sent home with suspected cases.

Fore more information on this virus, please contact the Department of Health here or the Health Protection Agency here. Alternatively, you can fine further Swine Flu links here.