First swine flu transfer case in UK

12 April 2012

An NHS worker has been confirmed as Britain's first case of swine flu being transferred between humans within the UK.

Graeme Pacitti, 24, tested positive for the virus after coming into contact with football team-mate Iain Askham, who fell ill after his honeymoon in Mexico.

Mr Askham and his new wife Dawn, from Polmont, near Falkirk, were released from hospital on Thursday after spending five nights in isolation.

The positive test result was confirmed by the Scottish Government.

It came as a further case of the virus was announced by the Department of Health in the North West of England. The total number of people confirmed in the UK as having swine flu has now reached double figures.

Mr Pacitti, who works as a clerical assistant for the NHS, has been at his Falkirk flat since he was contacted by a doctor and tested.

Minutes after hearing the result, he said: "I'm gutted really. I just found out. I saw Iain last Thursday, he wasn't showing any symptoms then. My friends thought he looked a bit tired but we thought it was just jet-lag.

"I've been feeling a lot better today than I have all week. I've still got an upset stomach and a sore throat. Earlier in the week I was having headaches and feeling feverish."

Meanwhile, Downend School near Bristol was closed on Friday afternoon because of a suspected case of swine flu in a Year Seven girl.

A Health Protection Agency spokesman said it was investigating the incident and the girl was undergoing tests. Pupils who came into contact with her were also being checked for symptoms.

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