Latest news with #HealthProtectionforPublicHealthWales
Wales Online
10-07-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Cause of kids' sickness outbreak in Llangollen confirmed by public health chiefs
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The cause of an outbreak that forced a concert to be cancelled at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod last night (Wednesday), has been confirmed by health chiefs. A number of children were taken to hospital with "flu-like symptoms" and an "extraordinary medical incident was declared by the Welsh Ambulance Service. Sir Karl Jenkins was scheduled to take centre stage at the Pavilion and conduct his powerful masterpiece, One World, live. It was billed as a concert that "brings together voices from around the globe to celebrate peace, harmony, and the universal language of music." It is the first time in the Eisteddfod's history it has had to cancel an event in this way. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox In a further update today (Thursday) Dr Giri Shankar, Director of Health Protection for Public Health Wales, said: 'The visitors to the Llangollen International Eisteddfod who were assessed in hospital last night will be discharged this morning. "Tests carried out on these children have indicated the presence of common respiratory viruses, including flu. They are being treated appropriately and are recovering. The risk to the public remains low'. Earlier Chris Williams, Consultant in Health Protection for PHW, said: 'We are aware that a small group of children who were visiting the Eisteddfod at Llangollen were taken to hospital this evening (Wednesday). Currently, the children are being medically assessed for mild respiratory symptoms, but they are not seriously unwell.' The Llangollen International Eisteddfod issued two statements last night as the emergency unfolded. The first said: "Due to an extraordinary medical incident - tonight's event has been cancelled. "We want to thank our own medical teams who are managing the extraordinary medical incident. We are working with the Ambulance services and medical teams managing the incident giving them the support necessary. "The Llangollen International Eisteddfod intends to run as normal from 9am tomorrow, but this will be based on the expert medical advice we receive. We apologise for any inconvenience caused." Another statement was released by the festival later, which gave more details and also confirming the site was clear to reopen by 9am today. It said: "Further to the previous statement, we can confirm that following the declaration of an extraordinary incident by the Welsh Ambulance Service, following Public Health Wales advice - the incident related to a flu-like outbreak and related to multiple people with similar symptoms. The extraordinary incident was called by the Welsh Ambulance Service due to the number of people who presented ill at one time. "We are pleased to report our site has been cleared to reopen tomorrow at 9am, as we continue to welcome the world to Wales. We'd like to thank our staff, medical staff and our volunteers for their swift response this evening." Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
North Wales Live
10-07-2025
- Health
- North Wales Live
Cause of kid's sickness outbreak in Llangollen confirmed by public health chiefs
The cause of an outbreak that forced a concert to be cancelled at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod last night (Wednesday), has been confirmed by health chiefs. A number of children were taken to hospital with "flu-like symptoms" and an "extraordinary medical incident was declared by the Welsh Ambulance Service. Sir Karl Jenkins was scheduled to take centre stage at the Pavilion and conduct his powerful masterpiece, One World, live. It was billed as a concert that "brings together voices from around the globe to celebrate peace, harmony, and the universal language of music." It is the first time in the Eisteddfod's history it has had to cancel an event in this way. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox In a further update today (Thursday) Dr Giri Shankar, Director of Health Protection for Public Health Wales, said: 'The visitors to the Llangollen International Eisteddfod who were assessed in hospital last night will be discharged this morning. "Tests carried out on these children have indicated the presence of common respiratory viruses, including flu. They are being treated appropriately and are recovering. The risk to the public remains low'. Earlier Chris Williams, Consultant in Health Protection for PHW, said: 'We are aware that a small group of children who were visiting the Eisteddfod at Llangollen were taken to hospital this evening (Wednesday). Currently, the children are being medically assessed for mild respiratory symptoms, but they are not seriously unwell.' The Llangollen International Eisteddfod issued two statements last night as the emergency unfolded. The first said: "Due to an extraordinary medical incident - tonight's event has been cancelled. "We want to thank our own medical teams who are managing the extraordinary medical incident. We are working with the Ambulance services and medical teams managing the incident giving them the support necessary. "The Llangollen International Eisteddfod intends to run as normal from 9am tomorrow, but this will be based on the expert medical advice we receive. We apologise for any inconvenience caused." Another statement was released by the festival later, which gave more details and also confirming the site was clear to reopen by 9am today. It said: "Further to the previous statement, we can confirm that following the declaration of an extraordinary incident by the Welsh Ambulance Service, following Public Health Wales advice - the incident related to a flu-like outbreak and related to multiple people with similar symptoms. The extraordinary incident was called by the Welsh Ambulance Service due to the number of people who presented ill at one time. "We are pleased to report our site has been cleared to reopen tomorrow at 9am, as we continue to welcome the world to Wales. We'd like to thank our staff, medical staff and our volunteers for their swift response this evening."
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
How to avoid norovirus as cases rise in the UK
With norovirus cases on the rise in the UK, it's important to take practical steps to avoid infection. Norovirus is often called the 'winter vomiting bug' and spreads easily and can cause sudden and unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms. In Wales, there has been a rise of nearly 50% in confirmed cases of the virus, as the Welsh Government's latest figures show a total of 37 cases of the virus were reported in Welsh residents - an increase of 48% on the previous week. According to the NHS, the virus has also led to record numbers of hospital admissions in England, with an average of 1,160 patients a day in hospital with norovirus last week - a 22% surge on the previous week (948) and more than double the same period last year (509). Experts also say the recent figures are just a small fraction of the true scale of the virus as many people do not seek medical help for the symptoms, which last around two days. But despite cases rising, there are a number of things you can do to mitigate your risk of catching the stomach bug and stopping it from spreading to others. Stay informed on the latest health news by signing up to our newsletter here READ MORE: Aspiring nurse had £10,500 in a shoebox. Now her dreams are in tatters READ MORE: Shop worker found dead in bath was poisoned by alcohol Practise good hand hygiene Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water is the best defence against norovirus. Hand sanitisers are not effective against this virus according to the NHS, so always wash hands after using the toilet and before eating or preparing food. Disinfect surfaces regularly Norovirus can survive on surfaces for days. Clean high-touch surfaces, such as door handles, light switches, and kitchen counters, with bleach-based disinfectants. This is particularly important in communal settings such as schools and workplaces. Handle food safely Norovirus can spread through contaminated food and water. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly and cook seafood, particularly shellfish, to safe temperatures. If you are unwell, avoid preparing food for others until at least 48 hours after your symptoms have cleared. Avoid contact when ill If you have norovirus symptoms, stay at home to avoid spreading the infection. Do not return to work, school, or public places until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped. This is crucial, as people can still spread the virus even when they feel better. Wendi Shepherd, Deputy Director in Health Protection for Public Health Wales recently said when addressing how Norovirus is dealt with in Wales: 'We expect to see an increase in norovirus cases at this time of year, as it is a common stomach bug that circulates during the winter months. However, we are concerned about an uptick in cases this winter compared with last year. 'The most important thing we can do to prevent spread is to make sure that children are kept out of school or nursery for 48 hours after their symptoms have stopped. 'Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after using the toilet or preparing food, and remember that hand sanitizer is ineffective against norovirus. Avoid sharing towels, and don't prepare food for others if you have norovirus symptoms.' The main symptoms of norovirus are vomiting and diarrhoea. Other symptoms include mild fever, headaches, stomach cramps and aching limbs.
