Swine flu cases in Australia has now soared to an all-time high of 255

By: Miranda Holmes

Its official, the recorded number of people with human swine flu in Australia has now soared to 255.

According to news.com.au, Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon has advised the public that there are now swine flu cases in every Australian state and territory, with the Northern Territory recording its first ever case. According to Ms Roxon, cases included one in Tasmania and the Northern Territory as well as Australia’s most-affected state, Victoria.

“The largest increases still remain …. In Victoria where we have 10 schools that are currently closed, although a number of those are commencing to open early next week,” she revealed to the Melbourne media.

Apparently, about 3000 people have already been placed in home quarantine in light of the recent circumstances, but then Ms Roxon said that this current plan may need to be re-examined if the number of people with human swine flu significantly increases within the next few weeks.

“If the increase in numbers continues at the rate that it has, of course an assessment will be made whether we need to move to the next phase of the disease plan …” she quipped.

Around 25 health officials have been summoned to aid with the screening of passengers arriving in Sydney via the Pacific Dawn cruise ship.

According to Ms Roxon, the latest estimate for a vaccine to be released is siting at two months. For now, they are just focusing on delaying the spread of swine flu disease for as long as possible until a safe vaccine has been created.

Ms Roxon did advise that the swine flu is a treatable disease though. “I do need to emphasise for the tourism industry as much as for the general public that this disease is a treatable disease,” she said. “Our efforts of containment are aimed to ensure that we can reduce the spread of the disease …”

Health officials are now meeting every day to re-evaluate the status of the swine flu disease. For the meantime, Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon has advised the public to carry on with their usual activities, carry out essential hygiene and don’t hesitate to go see a doctor if they are feeling under the weather.

Source: news.com.au

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