New Lothians case as swine flu spreads

Published on Wednesday 3 June 2009 10:00

ONE new case of swine flu was confirmed in the Lothians yesterday as two people were admitted to intensive care with the disease elsewhere in Scotland.

The pair are both being treated at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley, Renfrewshire, and include a 45-year-old man who is not thought to have any other underlying health problems.

Scottish Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon confirmed the development as she announced the total number of confirmed swine flu cases in Scotland had increased by 23 to 65 with one new case in the Lothians bringing the total to three. UK-wide, there are now 362 cases.

The 45-year-old man, from Paisley, is believed to be the first case in the UK where someone has been admitted to intensive care without any underlying health conditions.

A 38-year-old woman from Glasgow is the other case admitted to intensive care. She did have previous underlying health problems. Last week, a 38-year-old man, who also had other health problems, was admitted to intensive care in Glasgow.