Bermuda has had nine case of swine flu, the Health Minister Walter Roban revealed this afternoon.

And he warned it was anticipated that there would be an increase in cases in the Fall — prompting the Ministries of Health and Education to review the Island’s pandemic plan.

Mr. Roban said: “The majority of cases have been mild although this strain, different from seasonal influenza, seems to affect younger individuals to a greater extent.”

The Minister added that “influenza epidemics cannot be prevented but planning and preparation are keys to mitigating the impacts”.

Mr. Roban said Government has had a pandemic plan in place for a few years, developed in response to the outbreak of Avian Flu.

“The plan was activated at the outbreak of Influenza A (H1N1) in April and there has been ongoing communication from that point with schools and education officials regarding reporting and response to any outbreaks,” added Mr. Roban.

The Ministry of Health will host a press conference during the first week of school, next week, to discuss the possible impact of the ‘second wave’ and the steps being taken to assist Bermuda to respond to it.