Swine fever: four cleared in Holland
Four people have so far been tested for swine fever in the Netherlands, including a pilot, the AD reports on Tuesday. None were found to be infected.
All four had recently returned from Mexico and showed flu symptoms.
On Monday the first cases of swine flu were confirmed in Europe – one in Spain and two in Scotland. The European cases are milder than the virulent form of swine fever sweeping Mexico which has left over 150 people dead.
Dutch holidaymakers heading for Mexico are being warned to report to their doctor if they develop any flu-like symptoms within a week of their return.
‘It is not necessary to check everyone individually, but that policy does need continually evaluating,’ virologist Ab Osterhaus told the paper.
The Netherlands has a stockpile of five million doses of Tamiflu, an anti-viral drug, stored at secret locations, the AD says.
The World Health Organisation has raised its alert level over the outbreak from three to four, saying it can no longer be contained, the BBC reports on Tuesday.
Dutch foreign affairs minister Maxime Verhagen said there was no reason to panic. ‘We must follow developments very carefully but there is no reason to play panic football,’ Verhagen said after a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxemburg.
European health ministers are due to meet to discuss the situation on Tuesday.
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