Swine Flu

The ongoing spread of the Influenza A H1/N1 virus (Swine Flu) has triggered Government authorities and ESB to advance the implementation of national and company Pandemic Plans (see regular updates on ESBnet).

The Chief Medical Officer announced a change in Ireland’s management of the influenza outbreak from national Alert Level 2 to 3 on 16th July. This reflects in part the view of European disease control authorities who anticipate an increasing spread of infection across Europe over the coming months with a surge in infections during the autumn/winter period. HSE is now focusing its efforts on treating those at risk of serious illness and is activating Vaccination programmes for priority recipients and the general public. It has modified its management of infected individuals and their contacts.

ESB’s Pandemic Response Plan identified the critical processes required to play its part in maintaining adequate power supply in the event the global pandemic increases in severity and presents a national emergency. Operational measures, in particular preparations for the priority vaccination of critical staff, are now being implemented.

The severity of the current flu strain remains relatively mild, with a mortality rate not substantially higher than that of the normal flu. However, swine flu differs in that younger people appear more susceptible to infection. National and international authorities continue to express a high level of concern that the next wave of infection may prove more serious.