Written question WQ89965
- Asked by
- Andrew RT DaviesConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Health and Social Services
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 8 days
Question
What measures is the Minister taking to prevent any outbreak of swine flu in Wales, following the first confirmed case of a new strain of swine flu being detected in a human in the UK?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Health and Social Services
Following the detection of a single human case of influenza A(H1N2)v in England, the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) established an enhanced national incident and is working with partners to deliver a rapid response based on a precautionary containment approach. Public Health Wales (PHW) is attending UKHSA’s daily Incident Management Team (IMT) meetings to ensure we in Wales have the latest information as it emerges from the case and contacts in England. The investigation into this incident is continuing and PHW is providing the Welsh Government with regular updates as they emerge.
PHW issued a briefing to key partners in the NHS on 29 November and is maintaining a dynamic risk assessment specific to Influenza A H1N2.
Welsh Government officials are considering with PHW the contingency arrangements necessary if a case is detected in Wales. This includes capacity and capabilities in key areas including surveillance, testing and sampling, contact tracing, guidance to the health and care system, isolation facilities, vaccination and public information and guidance.