Published: Friday, 22nd May, 2009 3:01pm

Borders swine flu tests negative

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THE first feared swine flu case in the Borders has tested negative.

NHS Borders has been monitoring the outbreak of the HIN1 flu virus which originated in Mexico.

And stated they have a well established plan in place to manage any outbreak in the region.

This week"s suspected case of the virus was being investigated on Monday and Tuesday.

But officials revealed yesterday (Thursday) that tests have proved negative.

An NHS Borders spokesperson told the Peeblesshire News: 'There was one possible case of H1N1 flu in the Borders who iwas treated at home in keeping with national guidance.

'Test results carried out by NHS Borders Public Health and Primary Care team have now come back negative.

'We would continue to encourage people to take simple infection control precautions, such as washing their hands regularly, covering their mouth and nose with a tissue when they cough or sneeze, disposing of the tissues immediately and washing their hands as soon as possible after coughing or sneezing.'

This possible swine flu case in the Borders was revealed along with two others in Lothian and one each in Grampian, Fife and Lanarkshire.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon has said that there was a low risk in Scotland of swine flu.

Ms Sturgeon said: 'The level of person-to-person transmission we have seen in Scotland so far has been very limited and the risk to the public remains low.

'However, it is important we all continue to do everything possible to limit the spread of the virus with simple good hygiene measures.'