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The Scottish Government has defended its decision not to tell hundreds of concertgoers that Britain's first swine flu victim was in the audience days before being diagnosed.
Newlywed Iain Askham, 27, went to see the rock band Doves at an Edinburgh venue on April 23 after returning from his honeymoon in Cancun, Mexico.
Mr Askham was among the crowd at the 1,500-capacity HMV Picture House in Lothian Road two days after flying home, but told The People newspaper he had been advised not to reveal he had been at the concert.
He said: "I told them everything when I was in hospital. They suggested it was best not to mention it to anyone else so as not to cause any panic."
Asked whether he thought it was the right decision to make, he added: "That's not something I want to comment on. It's been a worrying time. I hope things get back to normal soon."
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "In line with Health Protection Scotland guidance, close contacts are followed up whenever any probable or confirmed cases are identified, to offer advice and where appropriate antivirals.
"We are aware that Mr Askham did attend a concert on April 23 - before he was being treated - but this would not be classed as close contact. The risk of spread to others who were around him is low, and it is important to stress that the risk to public health in Scotland remains low."
There are now three confirmed cases of swine flu in Scotland, Mr Askham and his new wife Dawn, 24, in Polmont, and friend Graeme Pacitti, 24, who lives in nearby Falkirk. There are 15 cases across the UK overall.
A new probable case is being investigated in the Ayrshire area of the country after a man flew back home from Texas in the US via Birmingham last week.
There are also 19 possible cases in Scotland, people showing symptoms and undergoing tests. This is down from 29 previously, but includes nine new cases.
Copyright ? 2009 The Press Association. All rights reserved.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5iy7jPixVLEno8OkgLVHhWmGamiNw
Newlywed Iain Askham, 27, went to see the rock band Doves at an Edinburgh venue on April 23 after returning from his honeymoon in Cancun, Mexico.
Mr Askham was among the crowd at the 1,500-capacity HMV Picture House in Lothian Road two days after flying home, but told The People newspaper he had been advised not to reveal he had been at the concert.
He said: "I told them everything when I was in hospital. They suggested it was best not to mention it to anyone else so as not to cause any panic."
Asked whether he thought it was the right decision to make, he added: "That's not something I want to comment on. It's been a worrying time. I hope things get back to normal soon."
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "In line with Health Protection Scotland guidance, close contacts are followed up whenever any probable or confirmed cases are identified, to offer advice and where appropriate antivirals.
"We are aware that Mr Askham did attend a concert on April 23 - before he was being treated - but this would not be classed as close contact. The risk of spread to others who were around him is low, and it is important to stress that the risk to public health in Scotland remains low."
There are now three confirmed cases of swine flu in Scotland, Mr Askham and his new wife Dawn, 24, in Polmont, and friend Graeme Pacitti, 24, who lives in nearby Falkirk. There are 15 cases across the UK overall.
A new probable case is being investigated in the Ayrshire area of the country after a man flew back home from Texas in the US via Birmingham last week.
There are also 19 possible cases in Scotland, people showing symptoms and undergoing tests. This is down from 29 previously, but includes nine new cases.
Copyright ? 2009 The Press Association. All rights reserved.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5iy7jPixVLEno8OkgLVHhWmGamiNw