County keeps tabs on Human Swine flu

The forum, which comprises councils, emergency services, health organisations, the Environment Agency, MCA and representatives from voluntary sector, utility companies, and transport sector are keeping an hour by hour watch on the situation.

It is reviewing contingency plans and identifying resources that may be needed if the disease reaches Sussex.

"We have had plans in place for some time to cope with events like this, and they are all well practised," explained Damien Adams, Head of Emergency Management.

"However, all of us have a really key role to play '“ and good personal hygiene practices are at the forefront, like washing your hands regularly."

He continued: "We are confident that we can maintain critical services in the event of an outbreak here. We have very detailed plans to keep everything running - in fact we were recently certified by the British Standards Institute as the first council in England to achieve this.

"Whether cold, flu or a variety of other viruses, this current virus can survive for several hours on a contaminated surface. When we touch this we pick up the virus and can transfer it."

Further advice on this and links to Health Protection Agency pages giving the latest details are available from the County Council website www.westsussex.gov.uk/emergency and click Latest Information.

If residents have recently visited one of the countries or areas where Human Swine Flu has been identified, it is important they monitor their health closely for seven days.

If during this period they develop a feverish illness accompanied by one or more of cough, sore throat, headache and muscle aches, the advice is to stay at home and contact your GP by phone, or seek advice from NHS Direct (0845 4647).

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