“Pacific Dawn” passengers given the all clear from swine flu

by Miranda Holmes on June 1st, 2009 · posted in Uncategorized · No Comments

It was like a scene from the movie “Outbreak” that originally starred Dustin Hoffman.

Paramedics covered themselves in overalls, protective masks and gloves as they aided a mother, father and child from their home to a Sydney Hospital as the child started showing flu-like symptoms.

Another child whom the health authorities believed to have had contact with a Pacific Dawn passenger was immediately taken to the hospital in Sydney last night and was isolated from the public.

All this took place as health authorities eagerly anticipated the results of a single swab test taken yesterday morning from more than 2500 passengers on board the Pacific Dawn.

And who could blame the health authorities for taking such precautions?

The overnight toll from swine flu soared at 303 with the menacing virus scattering to every state and territory.

Victoria has been the most affected state as the number of people who got infected with the swine flu has now reached to a shocking 212. In response to this outbreak, Victorian authorities have decided to take precautionary steps by shutting down 11 schools.

Queensland has already verified 20 cases of swine flu.

1500 students have also been instructed to stay home for a week in Cairns as health authorities launched a series of tests for the potentially lethal virus.

But in regards to the Pacific Dawn being infected by the swine flu virus, everyone can all breathe easy now. Rest assured: Pacific Dawn has already been given the all clear from swine flu.

Yesterday, the health authorities feared the worst thinking that 2500 people might need to be quarantined immediately as soon as the “Pacific Dawn” enters Sydney Harbour.

Swab tests were taken from passengers on board the cruise ship whom over the weekend started exhibiting flu-like symptoms, the health authorities were just waiting for the results of a swab test in Queensland before giving the green light.

After much anticipation, the health authorities have finally cleared the Pacific Dawn from the swine flu virus and have now permitted its passengers to come ashore as the cruise ship entered the Sydney shores this morning.

NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant officially said that the final tests of swabs taken from the passengers onboard the cruise ship have resulted as a “negative” for swine flu.

“No evidence of any additional cases of human swine influenza has been found onboard the Pacific Dawn, and most importantly, there has been no person-to-person transmission onboard the ship,” Dr Kerry Chant said. “These results give Carnival Australia the all-clear to disembark the Pacific Dawn, as normal … Passengers and crew will be able to leave the ship and return home or continue their onward travel without delay or restriction,” she continued.

A senior public health expert and 25 qualified nurses were originally assigned to the Pacific Dawn before it left Brisbane. They worked intensely with the cruise ship’s medical crew to monitor and weigh up every passenger onboard.

Dr Kerry Chant said that several people onboard the cruise ship were experiencing mild respiratory infections which sparked fear into the health authorities’ hearts. Luckily, their fears were quelled as the results turned out to be negative.