Scotland could be on the brink of its first human-to-human transmission of swine flu.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon revealed that a new suspected case of the virus involves a patient who came into contact with Polmont couple Iain and Dawn Askham, the UK’s first cases of swine flu.
The individual had previously tested negative; however, the person continued to show symptoms and a further test registered positive for influenza A.
The Health Secretary confirmed that if the “probable” case is in fact swine flu, it would be the first case in Scotland of human-to-human transmission.
Ms Sturgeon expressed concern, saying: "This individual has continued to feel unwell and because of that a decision was taken to retest this individual.
"That retest has rendered a 'positive' for influenza A; that person therefore must now be treated as a 'probable' and a sample is currently being further analysed at Colindale (London) which will allow us to confirm whether or not it's a 'positive' for swine flu.
"The circumstances around this individual do give us cause for concern. The symptoms don't give us cause for concern, but the circumstances give us cause for concern and that's why he's been treated as a 'probable'."
She added: "If this case was confirmed of course this would be the first case we have in Scotland of onward transmission from one of our Mexico returning cases - but I stress this it is not confirmed at this stage."
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Ms Sturgeon revealed that there were a further 27 “possible” cases of the virus being investigated.
She explained that "possible" cases were those in which patients displayed flu-like symptoms but where there was still no confirmation.
However, "probable" refers to a case where the patient has tested positive for influenza A, but has yet to test positive for swine flu.
The statement comes as the number of confirmed cases in the UK reached eight, including Ian and Dawn Askham, from Polmont, who have been released from Monklands Hospital in Airdrie.
In addition to the Askhams, there are three confirmed cases in London, one in Redditch, one in Newcastle, and a 12-year-old girl in Paignton.
The World Health Organisation confirmed 236 worldwide cases of swine flu. Mexico, where the outbreak originated, has seen 168 deaths, eight confirmed as swine flu. A 23-month-old Mexican child has died in the United States, and a further 91 cases have been diagnosed.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is continuing to advise "against all but essential travel to Mexico".
A dedicated swine flu information line offering advice on the virus has been set up and will be active from later in the afternoon. Members of the public calling the NHS 24 line ( 08454 24 24 24 ) will be given the option of being put through to a dedicated team dealing with the virus.
If you or someone you know has been directly affected by the swine flu outbreak, please contact us at stvnews@stv.tv
