Tuesday, May 29, 2007

H7N2 Concerns Spread In The UK

 

# 824

 

 

The symptoms are reportedly mild, and not life threatening, but the recent outbreak of H7N2 in Wales remains a concern because a low pathogenic virus could evolve into a nastier strain over time. 

 

From humble beginnings, the number of potential contacts has increased dramatically, now exceeding 200.  Most are reportedly still without symptoms, and the Tamiflu is for prophylactic use.

 

This from The Daily Mail

 

 

Bird flu warning for two hospitals

Last updated at 20:20pm on 29th May 2007

 

Patients and staff at two hospitals in North Wales are being offered anti-viral drugs after coming into contact with people who may be ill with bird flu.

 

At Ysbyty Glan Clwyd hospital, Bodelwyddan, near Rhyl, 79 patients and staff spent some time with a healthcare worker who is suspected to be ill with an H7 strain of the virus.

 

They are being offered the drug Tamiflu, which minimises the symptoms associated with flu.

 

At Ysbyty Gwynedd hospital, Bangor, 69 patients and staff associated with an A & E unit are being called because they may have been in contact with a patient carrying the virus.

 

The development came as health chiefs were trying to stamp out the spread of a virus which has been traced to chickens on a small farm near Corwen, North Wales.

 

Previously, some 12 children aged nine and ten and two teachers at a school in the area have been treated with Tamiflu.

 

The 14 had been in contact with a nine-year-old girl who is thought to have fallen ill with the virus after visiting the farm at the centre of the alert.