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Minister 'expects' flu in Wales Minister 'expects' flu in Wales
(about 17 hours later)
Health Minister Edwina Hart has said she "fully expects" there to be cases of the deadly swine 'flu in Wales, Health Minister Edwina Hart has said she "fully expects" there to be cases of the deadly swine 'flu in Wales.
In a letter to assembly members, Ms Hart said the assembly government was preparing for the arrival of the virus and "robust procedures" were in place.In a letter to assembly members, Ms Hart said the assembly government was preparing for the arrival of the virus and "robust procedures" were in place.
More than 100 people have died from swine flu in Mexico and cases have been reported in Europe.More than 100 people have died from swine flu in Mexico and cases have been reported in Europe.
On Monday evening, it was also confirmed two Scots, who have recently returned from Mexico, have the 'flu.On Monday evening, it was also confirmed two Scots, who have recently returned from Mexico, have the 'flu.
In her letter Ms Hart said "although it is natural for people to feel apprehensive, we can reassure the public that we are working to prepare for the arrival of the virus, and have put robust procedures in place".In her letter Ms Hart said "although it is natural for people to feel apprehensive, we can reassure the public that we are working to prepare for the arrival of the virus, and have put robust procedures in place".
The minister said a Wales-wide exercise to deal with such an emergency was held successfully last week.The minister said a Wales-wide exercise to deal with such an emergency was held successfully last week.
Correct procedures
She added they were "well placed to deal with the effects".She added they were "well placed to deal with the effects".
The minister said they have stocks of anti-viral drugs for 50% of the population. She said reports on the swine flu viruses involved indicated these drugs are effective.The minister said they have stocks of anti-viral drugs for 50% of the population. She said reports on the swine flu viruses involved indicated these drugs are effective.
Ms Hart also said she was involved in the COBRA meetings and she would be briefing opposition party spokespeople on Tuesday morning.Ms Hart also said she was involved in the COBRA meetings and she would be briefing opposition party spokespeople on Tuesday morning.
Chief Medical Officer for Wales Tony Jewell said: "The Welsh Assembly Government is liaising with the National Public Health Service (NPHS), Health Protection Agency, the other UK countries and international colleagues to monitor the situation closely.Chief Medical Officer for Wales Tony Jewell said: "The Welsh Assembly Government is liaising with the National Public Health Service (NPHS), Health Protection Agency, the other UK countries and international colleagues to monitor the situation closely.
"I have already contacted health professionals to remind them of the correct procedures of dealing with a flu outbreak to ensure they are adhered to."I have already contacted health professionals to remind them of the correct procedures of dealing with a flu outbreak to ensure they are adhered to.
Mr Jowell also said further information including health advice on measures to prevent infection, such as regular hand washing, can be found at the websites of the Health Protection Agency and the NPHS for Wales."Mr Jowell also said further information including health advice on measures to prevent infection, such as regular hand washing, can be found at the websites of the Health Protection Agency and the NPHS for Wales."
One hundred and three people are thought to have died from swine flu in Mexico, but there have been no deaths outside that country.One hundred and three people are thought to have died from swine flu in Mexico, but there have been no deaths outside that country.