Devon County Council

Devon agencies remain vigilant over swine flu

Public agencies across Devon continue to work together to keep a close watch on the swine flu situation and prepare for a local response should it be needed.

The WHO’s pandemic alert system has been raised to Phase 6, indicating a pandemic is underway. The term ‘pandemic’ means that a disease is spreading globally and does not suggest any change in its severity or a sudden shift in the UK situation.

The UK was one of the first countries to have a flu pandemic contingency plan in place.This seeks to reduce the negative health impact of any pandemic and the possible disruption it may cause to essential services and people’s daily lives..

Devon and Cornwall Pandemic Flu Lead, Debra Lapthorne, (Joint Director of Public Health for Plymouth) said: “We are working closely with the NHS in the South West including the Strategic Health Authorityand the Health Protection Agency to ensure we act on the latest information and with local partner organisations to ensure effective co-ordination.”

The NHS is advising people to adopt good hygiene practice as normal:

• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue whenever possible
• Dispose of dirty tissues promptly and carefully – bag and bin them
• Maintain good hygiene – washing hands frequently with soap and water
• Clean hard surfaces (e.g. kitchen worktops, door handles) frequently, using a normal cleaning product
• Stay at home when you are sick – if you have a cough and a fever, it is best to rest at home, take medicines to relieve the symptoms and drink plenty of fluids. This will speed your recovery and help prevent the spread of infection.

Devon County Council Emergency Planning Lead Richard Horne added: “Councils play an important role in planning and responding to a number of emergency situations.We have responsibility for a wide range of important local services including social care and children's services and we have a vital role providing information, advice and reassurance. Maintaining services on which many vulnerable people rely is a top priority.

“Plans are already in place to cope with serious outbreaks of disease should they be needed and we are in close touch with the health service and other agencies to make sure we are as prepared as we can be to cope with any eventuality.”

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