Influenza A (H1N1) Statement by Dr Kevin Kelleher, Head of Health Protection with the HSE
5th May 2009
Officials from the HSE and Department of Health & Children confirmed at a press briefing this evening that there remains one confirmed case of influenza A(H1N1) in Ireland.
Dr Kevin Kelleher, Head of Health Protection with the HSE, confirmed that information leaflets are currently being printed and are due to be distributed to households around the country later this week and early next week.
“We are advising people that when they receive this leaflet they should read it and then store it in a safe place. If the World Health Organisation changes the phase of influenza A(H1N1) from level 5 to 6 the information and advice in the leaflet will be important for families”, said Dr Kelleher.
The HSE is continuing its public information campaign which includes the distribution of posters with important information on the influenza. These will be on display in public offices such as Garda stations over the coming days.
There have been over 1,000 calls to HSE’s Flu Information Line, Freephone 1 800 94 11 00, which opened last Friday. The HSE’s website received 75,991 visits since Saturday, 25th April compared to average of 54,000 over that timeframe.
The HSE and Department of Health & Children are continuing daily meetings to monitor the international and national situation and to ensure Irelandis prepared for future developments of the A(H1N1) influenza that may occur.
Further information for professionals and the public is available through the websites of the Department of Health and Children and the HSE's Health Protection Surveillance Centre. There is also Travel Advice and Frequently Asked Questions as well as information for healthcare professionals. This information is updated on a daily basis.
