Republic confirms swine flu case

Masks and protective clothing have been sent to GPs in Northern Ireland

The Irish Republic has confirmed its first case of swine flu, in a man who had recently returned from Mexico.

The Republic's chief medical officer said the man was given anti-virus medication after reporting symptoms and was "recovering well" at his home.

It comes as three new suspected cases of infection are under investigation in Northern Ireland, health officials say.

The latest figures from the Department of Health state that 26 people have tested negative for the disease in NI.

But final results on tests carried out will not be known until next week.

The Republic's Department of Health said no one in contact with the confirmed case has shown any symptoms and there were no further probable or confirmed cases.

Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said: "All appropriate public health and clinical actions have been taken... The individual is recovering well."

On Sunday afternoon, the department of health in the Irish Republic said there were no further probable or confirmed cases of swine flu in the country.

Our main message to the public is not to be alarmed about recent developments - but to be prepared for a potential pandemic Health Minister Michael McGimpsey

The confirmed case was reported on 30 April after the man went to his GP.

Across the United Kingdom, health chiefs are awaiting the results of more than 600 tests for swine flu as the number of confirmed cases in the UK reached 15.

It comes after officials announced the first two cases of Britons falling ill without having travelled to Mexico.

A 43-year-old man from South Gloucestershire had been in contact with a traveller to the country.

And Graeme Pacitti of Falkirk was infected through contact with the first British people to develop the flu.

'Prepared'

But the Health Protection Agency said the two cases did "not yet represent sustained human-to-human transmission".

In Northern Ireland, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said his department was well prepared.

"Our main message to the public is not to be alarmed about recent developments - but to be prepared for a potential pandemic," he said.

"The NI helpline is now available for the general public to ring on 0800 0514 142 if they have been to an affected country like Mexico and have flu-like symptoms and are worried and need more information."

The World Health Organisation has warned a global pandemic is imminent

The World Health Organisation has raised the pandemic alert to five, which means they consider a global pandemic to be imminent.

However, Mexico has revised down the suspected death toll from swine flu from 176 to 101, indicating that the outbreak may not be as bad as was initially feared.

Health Minister Jose Angel Cordova told the BBC that, based on samples tested, the mortality rate was comparable with that of seasonal flu.

The news came as Mexico continues a five-day shutdown in an attempt to contain the spread of the virus.

Globally, 17 countries have now reported swine flu cases.

Five countries outside Mexico have confirmed person-to-person transmission.