PLANS FOR GPs to treat people with human swine flu in the patients’ homes will continue to be implemented despite the first death in Ireland from the virus.
Some 30 people are being treated in hospital for the human swine flu virus, the HSE confirmed, but it reiterated that the vast majority can still be treated at home without even calling a doctor.
It also emerged last night that Garret FitzGerald has been quarantined at a chateau in France over fears of a swine flu outbreak.
Along with 20 other Irish people, the former taoiseach was told to stay at the chateau in the central Auvergne region after a young couple there were tested for the virus. The results are expected today.
Speaking to RTÉ, Dr FitzGerald’s daughter, Mary FitzGerald, said the family understood there were precautions and procedures to respect. “We must not get upset over nothing,” she added.
A further 1,400 cases of human swine flu were confirmed last week in Ireland, but the HSE said that only a 1-2 per cent minority would be hospitalised and most would recover.
The alert status for the virus remains unchanged, and the HSE pointed out that there were 1,000 fewer cases last week than the week before.
The health authorities have also confirmed they have no plans to close schools even if there are cases of the virus. Dr Pat Doorley, the national director of population health, said yesterday that if there were incidents, schools could contact their local public health doctors who “will help them with managing the cases”.
Dr Doorley said schools could play an important role and they wanted them to “teach children good habits in relation to coughing, sneezing” and hand washing.
An 18-year-old woman, Darina Calpin from Sligo, died in Tallaght Hospital on Friday after contracting the virus in the community. Ms Calpin had cystic fibrosis.
A statement was issued on behalf of her family who were distressed a media outlet had not respected the family’s wishes for privacy. The statement said that the “Calpin family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of a beloved daughter and sister”.
“Darina was a beautiful lady with a zest for life. She was courageous and determined. She had a great talent for and love of music, and she enjoyed life with her family and friends.
“The family are grateful for the support, love and prayers of their wider family, friends and their local community in Sligo. The family are also grateful to the staff of Tallaght Hospital for the care they gave Darina.
“The family are issuing this statement to appeal for privacy during this very difficult and sad time, and particularly appealing for the media not to attend the funeral. This is the only statement the family will be making to the media.”
Speaking on RTÉ radio’s This Week programme yesterday, Dr Doorley said the State was “not in a higher alert” following Ms Calpin’s death.
“We are implementing the plans that we drafted some time ago. We’re at a stage where GPs are treating people in the community when they need to be treated. The vast majority of people can still actually care for themselves without even calling a doctor.”
Information about preventing the spread of the virus is available at www.hse.ie and www.hpsc.ie.
The flu information hotline is 1800 941100.
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