Darlington man diagnosed with swine flu (From The Northern Echo)

Darlington man diagnosed with swine flu

5:57pm Monday 6th July 2009 in

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A MANAGER at a North-East factory has been diagnosed with swine flu.

The man, who works at the kitchens manufacturer Magnet in Darlington, was sent home from work on Thursday last week, and confirmed to be suffering from the virus this morning.

Tests on a second man, who had been displaying similar symptoms, proved negative.

The company employs approximately 700 people at the plant at Lingfield Point.

A spokesman for the firm said: "Magnet can confirm that one of its Darlington-based employees has been diagnosed with suspected Swine Flu.

"The man in question was sent home from work feeling ill on Thursday and his doctor is treating him for Swine Flu. The company wishes him a speedy recovery.

"One other employee who displayed some flu-like symptoms was sent to his doctor as a precautionary measure and tested negative for Swine Flu."

The employee diagnosed with the virus is believed to be Mick Anderson, a joinery warehouse section leader.

One worker at the site, who did not wish to be named, said staff were concerned that the company had not offered them treatment to prevent the virus spreading.

He said: "People arent happy. We have been told that we wont get treated with Tamiflu.

"We are all very anxious because a lot of us have young children."

The company spokesman said: "Magnet has issued Government guidelines on its notice boards and staff intranet to remind them of the situation surrounding Swine Flu, help prevent further infection and answer any questions.

"Management are also briefed on the internal procedures of how to deal with any suspected cases.

"As standard practice the company also regularly has an occupational health nurse on site available for staff to discuss any issues or seek further guidance."