Decreasing Numbers In Pandemic H1N1 Swine Flu, Scotland Reports Another Death

An adult from the NHS Tayside Health Board area has died after contracting H1N1, bringing the total number of swine flu deaths to 58.

The patient had significant underlying health conditions.

Also today the latest figures from Health Protection Scotland about the incidence of influenza A (H1N1) in Scotland are published.

The findings are:

• A rate of GP consultations for flu-like illnesses – not necessarily H1N1 – across Scotland of 97.4 per 100,000. This is a 4 per cent increase on last week’s figure of 93.8 per cent.
• The number of community samples that tested positive for H1N1 is 14.8 per cent, a decrease on last week’s figure of 21.8 per cent.
• These rates suggest that an estimated figure of 2,210 people have consulted their GP. However, taking account of the number of people having H1N1 but not consulting their GP, HPS estimate that around 6,310 people have contracted H1N1 in the past week – a 26.3 per cent decrease compared to the previous week (7,970).
• As of December 23, there have been 1,439 people with influenza A (H1N1) hospitalised since the start of the outbreak. 30 people have required hospital admission in the last week.
• The estimated uptake rate so far for people under 65 years in a clinical at risk group is 44.3 per cent, among individuals aged 65 years and over in a clinical at risk group is 35.9 per cent and among pregnant women is 40.3 per cent. Overall this equates to a vaccination rate of 43.8 per cent.
• The estimated uptake rate so far among front line health and social care staff is 50.8 per cent and 32.1 per cent, respectively. This represents an increase of 2.8 per cent and 0.4 per cent, respectively compared with last week.
• There have been 58 deaths linked to influenza A (H1N1) since the start of the outbreak.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:

“Sadly, I can confirm another H1N1 death in Scotland. My deepest sympathy are with the patient’s family and friends.

“I continue to urge all those in the at risk groups to take up the vaccine invitation from their GPs.

“We do however see a further decrease in the estimated number of people contracting H1N1 this week – an encouraging sign that the vaccination programme is having the desired effect by increasing immunity to the virus.

“The vast majority of those who contract H1N1 will experience relatively mild symptoms and make a full recovery..”

Anyone who is concerned about flu-like symptoms should continue to contact their GP for advice, or NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24. Further information on the vaccine programme is available via the new Scottish Swine Flu Vaccination Helpline on 08000 28 28 16.

Rates of GP consultations for flu-like illness per 100,000 population in Scottish NHS Boards

• Ayrshire and Arran – 75.4
• Borders – 154.5
• Dumfries and Galloway – 69.5
• Fife – 80.7
• Forth Valley – 106.8
• Grampian – 72.6
• Greater Glasgow and Clyde – 137.8
• Highland – 68.2
• Lanarkshire – 87.9
• Lothian – 81.2
• Orkney – 23.5
• Shetland – 49.7
• Tayside – 105.2
• Western Isles – 151.6
• Scotland – 97.4

Population figures per board area, mid-year 2008 estimates (GROS)

• Ayrshire and Arran – 367,510
• Borders – 112,430
• Dumfries and Galloway – 148,580
• Fife – 361,815
• Forth Valley – 290,047
• Grampian – 539,630
• Greater Glasgow and Clyde – 1,194,675
• Highland – 309,900
• Lanarkshire – 561,174
• Lothian – 817,727
• Orkney – 19,890
• Shetland – 21,980
• Tayside – 396,942
• Western Isles – 26,200
• Scotland – 5,168,500

Topics: Britain, death, H1N1, health care, influenza A, NHS, outbreak, Scotland, Swine Flu

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