FootyGoss :: Club News - Fremantle [You swine – a message from the CEO]

You swine – a message from the CEO

By Mr Dandalooa

The Fremantle Football Club is on high alert after reports that a passenger on Qantas flight 481 from Melbourne to Perth on Saturday had tested positive to the human swine influenza.

Fremantle chief executive officer Steve Rosich said that the 40 players and staff on the same flight have been briefed and advised what course of action to take should they show any symptoms.

FootyGoss understands that all involved have been assessed by the club’s doctors and none have shown any signs on symptoms.

However, after further investigation by the club it was established that a member of the administrative staff, who was not part of the official travelling party, was sitting in close proximity to the passenger.

Dockers medical staff have contacted the WA Health Department.

“We are following the Health Department’s guidelines on this matter,” Rosich said.

“Our initial understanding was that none of the players or staff in the official travelling party was exposed to the passenger and, in accordance with the Health Department’s guidelines, no one in the official travelling party on Qantas flight 481 will be required to be quarantined.”

“As a result, this staff member is receiving direct advice from the Health Department and our club doctor,” Rosich said.

The swine influenza A (H1N1) virus that has infected humans in the US and Mexico is a novel influenza A virus that has not previously been identified in North America.

The virus is resistant to the antiviral medications.

While uncomplicated influenza-like illness such as fever, cough or sore throat has been reported in most cases, mild respiratory illness like nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, without fever and occasional severe disease also has been reported.

Other symptoms infection include vomiting, diarrhea, myalgia, headache, chills, fatigue, and dyspnea.