Calderdale man has swine flu

Jun 5 2009 By Neil Atkinson,

A CALDERDALE man has become the first swine flu victim in West Yorkshire.

The man, who has not been identified, is being treated at home with anti-viral drugs and is said to be responding well to treatment.

He is understood to have recently travelled to North America.

Those who have been in contact with him within the last seven days are also being given drugs as a precautionary measure.

The case brings the total number across the Yorkshire region to three.

There are still no reported victims of swine flu in Kirklees.

But across the UK, a further 24 cases were confirmed yesterday bringing the total number to 428.

London, the West Midlands and Scotland are among the worst-hit areas.

There are also 352 cases under laboratory investigation in the UK at the moment.

Dr Graham Wardman, Calderdale’s director of public health, said: "An adult male returning from travel abroad has been tested and found to have the virus.

"He is being treated at home with anti viral drugs and is responding to treatment.

"A small number of close contacts have also been identified and given antivirals as a precautionary measure.

"This development does not change our advice.

"If we identify any further cases of swine flu in our area, antiviral drugs will be made available to the individual and anyone they are in close contact with, such as other members of their immediate household, in accordance with current national guidance."

He warned anyone with flu-like symptoms to stay at home and contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or phone their GP to enable them to get advice without coming into contact with the wider public.

The first Yorkshire case of swine flu was reported on May 30 in Hambleton, North Yorkshire.