Lothians couple quarantined in possible case of swine flu

Published on Saturday 2 May 2009 11:28

A SECOND Lothian couple today told how they had been quarantined amid fears they have contracted swine flu.

Robert and Elaine Watson, who returned from a two-week holiday in Mexico earlier this week, have been ordered to stay inside their Haddington home.

The couple have been showing flu-like symptoms – including fever, sore throat and coughing – for four days and have now been tested for the swine flu virus.

It comes after newlyweds Peter and Jennifer Marshall, from Gorgie, were given the all-clear and released from their enforced quarantine after showing signs of flu-like symptoms following their honeymoon in Cancun.

Speaking from his Seggarsdean Crescent home, Mr Watson, 53, said: "It is quite worrying.

"At first you think it is just the flu, but you see what's happening in Mexico – people are dying."

The joiner and his care worker wife, 49, had enjoyed two weeks of sun and white sandy beaches in Mexico's popular Riviera Maya.

Mr Watson said: "We came back on Monday morning.

"The first we really heard of swine flu was on the news on the radio when we were coming back from the airport. We started feeling ill – just like having a bit of a cold – on Tuesday. We phoned the doctor and described the symptoms. The doctor said I shouldn't come into the surgery because I'd been in Mexico."

The couple were advised just to treat their symptoms as regular flu, but were told not to leave their house. Mr Watson continued: "We had a doctor in taking tests – we should get them back at the weekend."

If the results are positive, they will be given antiviral medication and will undergo further tests.

Despite Britain's first case of human-to-human transfer of swine flu being confirmed, the couple's two children – Nicola, 23, and Mark, 17 – who live with them have not been quarantined.

NHS clerical worker Graeme Pacitti, from Falkirk, who had been in close contact with the UK's first confirmed swine flu couple, Iain and Dawn Askham, heard of his positive test result yesterday.

Mr Askham and his new wife Dawn, from Polmont, were released after spending five nights in isolation.

Mr Pacitti was initially cleared but continued to show symptoms and further tests confirmed he was suffering from swine flu – which the World Health Organisation is now calling influenza A (H1N1).

It has been revealed he was in the crowd at Hampden for Sunday's Scottish Cup semi-final.

Following the confirmation, Scottish Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: "While the circumstances surrounding this case do give cause for concern, it is important to stress that the risk to public health in Scotland remains low.

"This is the first case of transmission from human to human in this country but, fortunately, the symptoms are mild.

"Scotland, and the UK as a whole, is well prepared for a pandemic but we must remain vigilant. I would urge everyone in Scotland to continue taking sensible hygiene precautions."

She said a total of 29 people in Scotland were being tested with three in the Lothian area.

A dedicated swine flu advice line is available through NHS 24 on 08454-24 24 24.