Rothbury swine flu victim has no idea how he got it

Jul 6 2009 By The Journal

A NORTHUMBERLAND man has become the latest person in the region to be diagnosed with swine flu.

Michael Arkle, 59, of Rothbury was confirmed as having the disease on Friday, following recent cases involving two workers at Northern Rock in Newcastle, a schoolgirl at Hexham and her sister – an employee at regional development agency One NorthEast and a headteacher at a school in Gateshead.

Mr Arkle last night told The Journal he had "no idea" how he had caught the disease.

He said he had called a doctor to his Tollgate Crescent home on Friday, having felt unwell with flu-like symptoms.

The doctor confirmed Mr Arkle, a member of Rothbury Golf Club, had the disease and prescribed him a five day course of Tamiflu tablets. He was told to remain indoors and is to stay off work for the next week. Nevertheless Mr Arkle said he is "on the mend."

Last night, Northumberland County Councillor for Rothbury Steven Bridgett, who works at the club where Mr Arkle plays, said he had spoken to the victim on Friday. The councillor urged villagers not to worry, despite the Mr Arkle’s illness.

He said: "There is no need for anyone to panic. The only people that are a priority for the health service is people with any underlying health conditions, the elderly and very young children. I advise anyone to take the necessary precautions such as washing their hands."