Swine flu fear couple tell of relief after their false alarm

Published on Monday 4 May 2009 09:57

A COUPLE who were quarantined inside their Lothian home amid fears they had contracted swine flu today spoke of their relief after doctors gave them the all-clear

Robert and Elaine Watson, who returned from a two-week holiday in Mexico last week, had been showing flu-like symptoms and were tested for the virus.

The couple, from Haddington in East Lothian, have now been told that the tests for the virus had proved negative.

Meanwhile, the Scottish Government has defended its decision not to tell gig-goers in Edinburgh that Britain's first swine flu victim was in the audience days before being diagnosed.

Newlywed Iain Askham, 27, went to see rock band Doves at the 1500-capacity Picture House in Lothian Road on April 23 after returning from his honeymoon in Cancun, Mexico.

Mr Askham reportedly said he had been advised to not reveal he had been at the concert.

The number of confirmed Scottish cases has now risen to four. An Ayrshire man was ill on a flight from Birmingham to Glasgow just days after returning from the Unites States.

A further 16 possible cases are being investigated in Scotland.

Mr Watson, 53, of Seggarsdean Crescent said: "We got the tests back on Friday and they were negative. It was a big relief that it's over and we can get back to normal. It must have been a touch of normal flu we had."

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

The couple were advised just to treat their symptoms as regular flu, and not to leave their house.

Mr Askham and his new wife Dawn, 24, of Polmont, were the first confirmed cases in Scotland and their friend Graeme Pacitti, 24, who lives in Falkirk was the first British case of human to human transfer of the disease.

Mr Askham said: "I told them everything when I was in hospital. They suggested it was best not to mention it to anyone else so as not to cause any panic."

Asked if he thought it was the right decision, he added: "That's not something I want to comment on."

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "In line with Health Protection Scotland guidance, close contacts are followed up whenever any probable or confirmed cases are identified, to offer advice and where appropriate antivirals.

"We are aware that Mr Askham did attend a concert on April 23 – before he was being treated – but this would not be classed as close contact.

"The risk of spread to others who were around him is low, and it is important to stress that the risk to public health in Scotland remains low."