Two more Lothian swine flu cases add to growing Scots tally

Published on Tuesday 7 July 2009 10:10

A FURTHER 52 cases of swine flu have been confirmed in Scotland including two more in Lothian.

The total number of confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) in the country has now risen to 1,377.

The new cases cover the period from Friday, 3 July. Eight of them are travel-related, while 44 have no connection with travel.

The largest number of new cases was again in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board area. Lothian had one new case confirmed on Sunday and another on Monday.

The Scottish Government has announced it is moving to a weekly update of the number of cases.

Health secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: "It remains the case that, in the majority of confirmed H1N1 cases to date, the symptoms have been mild and recovery straightforward. We have moved from a containment strategy into the early stages of the treatment phase.

"But, let me reassure everyone, this does not mean the severity of the virus has increased.

"Over the coming weeks, we will change the way we monitor the pandemic flu and its spread. This will ensure that our preparations and readiness for any potential future changes in either the virus, or its spread, are always well advanced as we look towards the rollout of a vaccine."